On new years eve, the second seed Ohio State took on the tenth seed Miami, and in a disappointing showing lost 14 – 24 to the Hurricanes. The quarterfinal playoff loss was the result of an array of issues, and while some were new, many had been themes present throughout the season.
One issue visible in the game was the lack of protection for quarterback Julian Sayin. He was sacked five times, making it much harder for him to get the offense started. In this way, the game felt eerily similar to the Buckeyes’ loss to Indiana in the Big 10 Championship game, as five sacks were also allowed in that game. Prior to that game, Ohio State’s offensive line had allowed just 6 sacks all season. Had the offensive line played to that standard, the Buckeyes’ would’ve had a much easier path to victory.
A second apparent weakness was kicking, which is an issue that has plagued Ohio State for years. In recent years, many of Ohio State’s losses could be attributed largely to missed field goals, like versus Georgia in 2022, Michigan in 2024, and Indiana just this past season. Against Miami, Jayden fielding missed a 49 yard field goal, leaving the Buckeyes scoreless before halftime, and leaving the momentum with the Hurricanes. Kicking and special teams overall should be a major focus of Ryan Day and company heading into next season.
One final problem with Ohio States’ play was Ryan Day’s playcalling. With offensive coordinator Brian Hartline leaving for USF, Day took it upon himself to call plays for the offense. It was unsuccessful, as play-calling along with his regular coaching duties proved to be too much to focus on at once. During the first quarter especially, the Buckeyes failed to establish the run, rushing for negative yards in the first half. This combined with the constant pressure on Sayin was a recipe for disaster that Day’s play-calling was unable to remedy.
A dishonorable mention would be the Buckeyes defense. When the offense cut Miami’s lead to three points in the fourth quarter, the defense was unable to stop the Hurricanes’ game-sealing drive. The drive covered 70 yards and lasted 5 minutes, leaving the clock at 55 seconds, and all but ending Ohio State’s hopes of winning the game. For all these reasons, Ohio State will have to wait until next season to try their luck at another national championship.
