Stephen Leonard
Writer
Motivations from each sideline will be on display leading up to and concluding with the Cotton Bowl Quarterfinal Playoff game on December 31 at 7:30 PM Eastern in Arlington, Texas. The most obvious and long-standing stems from the Miami Hurricanes’ controversial 2003 Fiesta Bowl loss that denied them a repeat title 22 years ago.
The 2003 Fiesta Bowl was the BCS National Championship Game, but for Miami, it was a virtual walk-through on their way to back-to-back national titles. Miami entered the game the kings of college football, ready to celebrate a victory.
That loss sunk Miami’s football program back to irrelevancy for more than two decades. Current players on the Miami roster weren’t walking or even born yet. Despite players being too young, just a quick scroll through either Miami or Ohio State fan-related social media will undoubtedly mention that infamous pass interference. Coaches and fan bases are well aware of the damage done to The U following the fateful day in the desert.
Miami has both past and present motivation. They have never won the ACC (joined in 2004). The single showing at the ACC championship game, 2017, they were severely outclassed by Clemson 38-3. Hurricanes have been a no-show at the college football playoff until now. Knocking off one of the best from the Southeastern Conference in Texas A&M ignited the Miami fandom. When a team like Miami, with historic success, has been held down for so long, you know what comes next. Talk, the talk that Miami is back! A national title is now in clear view, but despite the aspirations surrounding the Hurricanes, they head into the quarterfinals as a 9.5-point underdog. Revenge is on the mind as the Hurricanes have a chance for redemption against the Buckeyes, even if it is 22 years later.
For added bulletin board material, Ohio State did not learn the lesson from Miami’s response in round one. Texas A&M provided Miami with all the bulletin board material they needed. OT Trey Zuhn was asked about Miami DE Reuben Bain. Zuhn replied, “I don’t think that he’ll be a threat, we have to worry too much”. As it turned out, Bain and company pushed through the A&M offensive line like a tornado in a trailer park. They recorded seven sacks on the day. Bain introduced Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed to the turf with three sacks himself.
To say they capitalized on the motivation is an understatement. If Miami coming into the Cotton Bowl as a 9.5-point underdog wasn’t enough added motivation, Ohio State players provided the cherry on top. Big Ten WR of the year Jeremiah Smith from Miami Gardens, FL is already deemed a traitor for some Miami faithful. He provided some extra motivation.
It all starts with a hungry football team. The last time the Buckeyes left the field, red confetti was scattered among the turf of Lucas Oil Stadium. It was a painful shade of red, not Scarlet, but the Crimson of the Indiana Hoosiers. The Buckeye filed toward the locker room in stunned silence, heads hung, and with the stench of defeat soaking their scarlet and gray jerseys. The 13–10 loss is eerily reminiscent of last year‘s loss to Michigan.
Now, for back-to-back years, Ryan Day’s team is left with everything to prove entering the College Football Playoff. If last year’s playoff run is any indicator, Ohio State knows how to play with a chip on its shoulder. Head coach Ryan Day summed it up succinctly before the first Cotton Bowl practice: “You have to sit on that loss for a while.”
That edge? It’s not just carved from the Big Ten Championship loss. It’s compounded by a gut-wrenching award snub. Generational sophomore wide receiver Jeremiah Smith was the Big Ten wide receiver of the year, yet another Big Ten wide receiver, Makai Lemon (USC), won the Biletnikoff trophy.
Enter the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York, where Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin was not expected to hoist the trophy. Julian Sayin, the nation’s most accurate quarterback, completing 78.4% of his passes, was neglected by the media.
The chase for back-to-back national titles ignites the fire within the Buckeye locker room. The Big Ten championship loss, Biletnikov snob, and Sayin’s solo media coverage at the Heisman ceremony have provided enough motivation; it is time to tee up the “Ohio against the world” mentality again.
Let’s not forget this Miami team is ultra-motivated. Wins against Ohio State are program-defining, and for Miami, this one is special. For each team and inside each locker room, motivation isn’t manufactured; it’s molten. AT&T Stadium awaits. Watch out, fans, this one could get chippy.
Bryson Blue
Writer
After almost a week of anticipation, the star quarterback of the Oregon Ducks, Dante Moore, has made his decision on his future.
Cody Croy
Writer
Northwestern transfer tight end Hunter Welcing has signed with Ohio State. The Illinois native will have one season of eligibility remaining. He is a former 3-star recruit in the class of 2020. Welcing, who will be gearing up for his sixth season of college football, spent five of them with the Northwestern Wildcats. Battling injury, […]
Cody Croy
Writer
Former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive linemen Qua Russaw and James Smith have announced their commitment to Ohio State, per Hayes Fawcett. The pair visited Ohio State together last week. The Buckeyes now have 11 transfer portal additions and 30 departures during this cycle. Qua Russaw, a redshirt junior, will have two seasons of eligibility remaining. […]
