University of Miami Hurricanes – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by RyanTaylor
This evening’s Cotton Bowl classic pits your Miami Hurricanes against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The stakes are extremely high for Miami’s biggest game in more than 20 years—the CFP quarterfinal.
These are the Hurricanes’ chances of winning tonight:
Win the scrimmage line.
In a nutshell, “big dudes close to the ball” is Mario Cristobal’s fundamental team-building concept. This year’s Canes are a perfect example of that model, with an offensive line that averages 6’6″ 330 pounds and a defensive line that goes eight deep with size, strength, speed, and elite talent.
It appears like winning the line of scrimmage on offense will result in a strong run game, an edge in time of possession, plenty of time for the quarterback to pass, and a reduction or removal of the Ohio State defensive line’s playmaking ability. Miami’s offensive line has demonstrated this on numerous occasions, including the most recent game against Texas A&M, therefore it must occur once more.
Stopping OSU’s run game (less than 70 yards running and 3 or fewer yards per carry) and applying pressure on quarterback Julian Sayin with just four linemen rushing are the key components to winning the line of scrimmage on defense. Miami will be able to devote resources to pass coverage, which is necessary to address OSU’s receivers, if they can apply pressure quickly and avoid having to blitz.
Win the fight of turnover.
Winning the turnover fight will be crucial tonight, just as it was in Miami’s victory over Texas A&M. This season, Miami boasts an impressive +11 turnover margin, ranking 11th in the country. Although it is only +5 for the season, Ohio State also boasts a positive turnover margin. Miami has the opportunity to take use of this advantage as well.
It’s amazing to take the ball away from the opponent. Like the actual object itself, the ball is the focus of sports, hence possessing it and stealing it from the opposition are essential. This season, Miami lost both games and the turnover fight. direct relationship between results and turnovers. Accordingly, Miami will probably win this game if they prevail in the turnover war. Thus, prevail in the war of turnover. Please.
The Carson Beck Legend Game
Carson Beck, this is the time. At a rumored cost of up to $4 million, Miami brought him in to captain this team this season. They took that action because Beck is a skilled, seasoned quarterback who has played in pivotal games and with the ability to lead Miami to new heights.
I went into greater detail about this yesterday, but to put it succinctly, Carson Beck will need to have a very strong game in order for Miami to win. Over the past three years, he has demonstrated this ability against teams that are ranked. It’s time to shine once more, with the biggest stage and brightest lighting.
I’ll put it this way: Carson Beck needs to have a really good game, like the ones he’s played against ranked teams the past three years, if Miami is to win. It’s time to shine once more, with the biggest stage and brightest lighting.
For tonight’s Cotton Bowl, they are my keys to victory.
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Mike has more than 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations. He once owned his own agency and has worked with some of the largest brands in the world.
