By the time I finally made it to bed, it was after 5am UK time.
Sleep was never really on the cards anyway.
The Miami Hurricanes had just taken down the reigning national champions Ohio State, and the adrenaline was still very much pumping. Nights like this are exactly why UK fans put themselves through the late kick-offs, the early alarms, and the bleary-eyed mornings that follow.
This one was worth every second.
The Matchup
Miami arrived at the College Football Playoff quarterfinal facing a familiar narrative. Talented, dangerous, but still seen by many as outsiders against an Ohio State programme stacked with five-star recruits and championship pedigree.
What followed was a performance built on control, belief, and a clear identity.
Final Score:
Miami Hurricanes 24
Ohio State Buckeyes 14
With the win, Miami eliminate the defending national champions and advance to the Fiesta Bowl CFP semifinal, where Ole Miss now stand between the Hurricanes and a place in the national championship game.
How the Game Was Won
Miami set the tone early and never really let Ohio State dictate terms.
The Hurricanes took a 14–0 lead into halftime, capitalising on disciplined offence and a defence that refused to give Ohio State any rhythm. Carson Beck led Miami with calm authority, orchestrating long drives and keeping the Buckeyes’ defence on the field.
Beck’s control of the game was evident throughout. He was efficient through the air, smart with his decisions, and crucially, willing to use his legs when the moment demanded it. None bigger than a key third-down scramble in the fourth quarter, a play that kept the clock moving and deflated Ohio State’s hopes of a late comeback.
Defining Moments
Mark Fletcher Jr. Opens the Scoring
Miami’s opening touchdown drive was everything the Hurricanes wanted it to be. Physical, patient, and purposeful. Mark Fletcher Jr. finished it off with a touchdown that underlined Miami’s intent to play on their terms.
Keionte Scott’s Unbelievable Pick Six
The game’s defining moment came courtesy of Keionte Scott.
Reading the play perfectly, Scott jumped the route and took the interception all the way back for a touchdown. It was the kind of play that swings belief instantly. From that moment on, Miami looked like a team that knew it belonged on this stage.
Closing It Out the Miami Way
Ohio State threatened briefly in the second half, but Miami never panicked. A late field goal and composed game management ensured the Hurricanes kept the Buckeyes at arm’s length and closed out one of the biggest wins in programme history.
Standout Performances
Carson Beck
This was not about flashy numbers. This was about control.
Beck managed the game superbly, avoided costly mistakes, and delivered in the biggest moments. His willingness to tuck the ball and move the chains late on showed maturity and leadership beyond the stat sheet.
Keionte Scott
A defensive performance that will be replayed for years. The pick six will steal the headlines, but his overall awareness and discipline were outstanding.
Miami Defence
Against the reigning champions, Miami’s defence stood tall. Pressure up front, discipline on the back end, and an ability to deliver momentum-changing plays when required.
This unit has travelled all season. It travelled again.
Coaching Credit Where It’s Due
This win does not happen without the work done behind the scenes.
Mario Cristobal has steadily rebuilt this programme with toughness, accountability, and belief. Shannon Dawson’s offence has evolved week by week, finding ways to win even when points are at a premium. And Corey Hetherman deserves huge credit for shaping a defence that is now capable of winning games on the biggest stage.
This team has grown stronger as the season has gone on, and now finds itself one win away from the national championship game.
What It Means
Miami have beaten Texas A&M.
Miami have beaten Ohio State.
Miami have knocked out the reigning champions.
This is no longer a nice story. This is a serious playoff run.
The Hurricanes now head to the Fiesta Bowl, a venue steeped in Miami history, with Ole Miss standing in their way. One more win and Miami will be playing for a national title.
The Last Word from Across the Pond
It was after 5am when I finally switched everything off. Tired, buzzing, and still replaying that pick six in my head.
For UK fans, this is why we do it. The late nights. The early mornings. The moments you remember long after the lack of sleep fades.
Miami are still standing. The belief is real. The dream is alive.
On to the Fiesta Bowl.
Go Canes.
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