Gov. Ron DeSantis is continuing to hype up the University of Miami after the Hurricanes' big win over the Ohio State Buckeyes on New Year's Eve. The Hurricanes beat the Buckeyes 24-14 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic to advance to the national semifinal, where they will face Ole Miss.
The win over the Buckeyes was a bit of revenge for Miami, particularly the fan base, after a controversial pass interference call in double overtime against Ohio State ended the Hurricanes' chance at back-to-back national championships in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl (played following the 2002 season) by a score of 31-24 and the school's 34-game winning streak.
With that behind them, the next game against the Rebels arguably becomes the one for the Hurricanes since that infamous no-call. The Hurricanes are also hoping it's the next biggest game on their schedule, with a national title bid on the line in Miami Gardens on Jan. 19.
"Biggest game for The U since the pass interference call against Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl more than 20 years ago," DeSantis wrote on X. "Any questions about whether Miami should have made the playoffs have been put to rest — they are playing as well as anyone."
And yes, Gov. DeSantis is correct. Miami's run might not have happened without a last-minute boost from the College Football Playoff committee.
But that was then, this is now. And right now, the Hurricanes look like one of the best teams remaining in the field.
Miami has been led by its defense, holding Ohio State to 14 points and Texas A&M to seven in the CFP first round. The Hurricanes have totaled seven sacks in both games, led by standout defensive ends Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor.
Mesidor had 1.5 sacks against the Aggies and two sacks against the Buckeyes. Bain Jr. had 3 sacks against Texas A&M and 1 sack against Ohio State.
Defensive back Keionte Scott also provided a key 72-yard interception return for a touchdown to give the Hurricanes a 14-0 lead against the Buckeyes.
On the other side, Miami has been paced by running back Mark Fletcher Jr. The junior had a career-high 172 yards on the ground, including a 56-yarder to set up the game-winning score against Texas A&M, and 90 yards rushing against Ohio State.
Fletcher also caught a 9-yard touchdown against the Buckeyes. In addition, the Hurricanes have received steady contributions from freshman wide receiver Malachi Toney and senior quarterback Carson Beck.
Miami will face Ole Miss on Jan 8 in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.
