Summary of the Cotton Bowl Triumph
The Miami Hurricanes staged a surprising Cotton Bowl upset over a highly ranked Ohio State squad, delivering a 24-14 victory that showcased depth, resilience, and big-play capability. While the box score tells part of the story, PFF’s grades pull back the curtain on which Hurricanes players carried the day and how their performances stacked up against one of the nation’s most talented teams.
How PFF Graded Miami’s Top Performers
PFF grading focuses on execution in the moment, assigning marks for consistency, playmaking, and game-impacting moments. In this game, Miami’s ten best players earned standout grades, underscoring a team effort that outplayed Ohio State from start to finish. The following players topped the list for their roles, reliability, and ability to swing the game in Miami’s favor.
1) Quarterback Lead
Miami’s quarterback delivered a poised performance, avoiding turnovers and threading key completions in critical drives. His decision-making under pressure and accuracy on intermediate routes earned him a top-tier grade, helping the Hurricanes maintain momentum through the game’s pivotal moments.
2) Dual-Threat Back
The running back who provided balance between the tackles and on the edge posted efficient yards-after-contact and showcased vision on zone runs. His versatility kept Ohio State guessing and created the kind of long, draining drives that fold into a winning game plan.
3) Lead Wide Receiver
This target’s route-running created separation and drew timely pass interference penalties, contributing sustained drives. Consistency on crucial third downs put Miami in favorable positions to control the tempo late in the game.
4) Slot Weapon
A quick-twitch playmaker in the middle of the field, this player made contested catches and repeatedly converted short-yardage opportunities into first downs, maintaining Miami’s drive continuity after big plays.
5) Offensive Line Collective
The five-man unit stepped up in pass protection and run blocking, allowing the quarterback time to operate and creating the lanes for the backfield duo. Their graded performance reflected cohesion and execution in a high-stakes environment.
6) Tight End/Hybrid Threat
A security blanket with reliable hands, this player contributed as a blocker in the run game and as a mismatch in the passing game, earning top marks for his two-way impact on the field.
7) Cornerback One
On the back end, Miami’s top corner shut down a portion of Ohio State’s aerial attack, closing routes and delivering physical play at the catch point. His coverage grade reflected tight discipline and timely pass breakups.
8) Defensive End Edge
Pressure off the edge and containment against the run pegged this defender as a game-wrecker. Consistent pressure altered OSU’s dropback timing and helped create critical hurried throws.
9) Linebacker Run/Pass
Reading play-action and shedding blocks to make stops in the box, this linebacker posted a balanced performance with solid tackling grades and decisive sideline-to-sideline pursuit.
10) Safety in the Back end
With a couple of key tackles in the open field and a couple of well-timed plays in coverage, this safety earned a favorable grade for battlefield awareness and reliability in critical moments late in the game.
What These Grades Mean for Miami’s Season Outlook
Miami’s ten-best grades from the Cotton Bowl tell a story of a team that won with balanced offense and a stingy defense. The grades highlight depth and the ability of multiple units to contribute, which is especially valuable when facing top-tier opponents. This performance could indicate a rising ceiling for the Hurricanes as they push toward postseason play, assuming consistency follows the high-utility days shown in this game.
Key Takeaways for Fans and Analysts
- Ball security and decision-making were crucial; the quarterback’s reliability helped stabilize the team’s approach.
- Playmakers across offense kept the drive alive, particularly on critical third downs and red-zone attempts.
- The defense showed resilience against a potent OSU attack, turning tipped balls and contested catches into momentum-shifting moments.
Bottom Line
Miami’s Cotton Bowl win over Ohio State was a reminder that the Hurricanes can win with a balanced, well-executed game plan. The PFF grades of their ten best players reflect a performance that combined execution, playmaking, and clutch moments—an encouraging sign for the rest of the season.
