Ohio State is preparing to take on the Miami Hurricanes on Wednesday in the second round of the CFP at 7:30 EST. With the Buckeyes well rested, they will look to advance and knock off the Hurricanes and advance. Here are some key headlines to follow leading into this week
Buckeyes Offense VS Miami's Defense
The Buckeyes' offense, led by Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, and Carnell Tate, has a big challenge ahead of them as they face the Hurricanes' defense. This Buckeye offense in 2025 is averaging 34.9 points per game and has been incredibly efficient in every aspect, but Miami's defense presents a challenge similar to what the Buckeyes faced in Indiana.
Miami's defense has held opponents to just 13 points per game in 2025. It is going to be important for Sayin to avoid getting sacked as Miami has Rueben Bain Jr, a top 10 projected NFL draft pick at EDGE, tallying 7.5 sacks for the Hurricanes this season.
Holding Texas A&M to three points is a really impressive feat and should definitely be noticed. Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate will be X-Factors in this game, as well as running back Bo Jackson. Ohio State needs to get them out in open space and let those playmakers create and make big plays for the Buckeyes.
Miami's Offense VS Buckeyes Defense
Miami's Offense is led by Carson Beck, Malachi Toney, and Mark Fletcher Jr have had up and down success this season. Beck has played in a lot of big games before at Georgia, prior to coming to Miami. Toney has been an impressive freshman standout. They like to get him out in space and let him create. Toney scored his and Miami's only touchdown last week on a touch pass.
Fletcher Jr had one of his biggest games of the year last week. Miami relied on him heavily, with Beck struggling against the A&M secondary. This Miami offense in 2025 is averaging 32.2 points per game, while Ohio State only allows 8.2 points per game. Other notable players to look out for are left tackle Francis Mauigoa, a projected 1st round NFL Draft pick, and CJ Daniels, a WR who has had some flashy moments throughout the season.
Ohio State's defense, with all their collective dominant players, should have no problem attacking this Miami offense with Arvell Reese, Caden Curry, Kayden McDonald, and Kenyatta Jackson getting after Beck and stopping Fletcher on the defensive line and in the secondary with Jermaine Matthews, Davison Igbinosun. Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs should be flying all around the field on Wednesday, cleaning up tackles and affecting the game with their speed and play recognition.
Ryan Day Calling Plays
With Brian Hartline taking the USF head coaching job, that is his primary focus right now. He remains with the Buckeyes for the playoffs, but with the season on the line, Day feels like he should be the one to call the plays because of how busy Hartline has been preparing for USF and for the playoffs with Ohio State.
Hartline has done an excellent job as a playcaller this season, as you can imagine, which is why he got the USF job in the first place. Ryan Day has plenty of play-calling experience, though, serving as the offensive coordinator under Urban Meyer and also serving as the play-caller for his first five years as head coach.