The College Football Playoff quarterfinals get underway on Wednesday, Dec. 31, with defending national champion Ohio State facing Miami in the Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
What team will have the edge in this matchup?
Let’s take a closer look as I unveil my College Football Playoff predictions for the first quarterfinal.
Miami vs Ohio State Odds
All NCAAF odds used for these Miami vs Ohio State best bets are current as of Sunday, Dec. 29, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Miami (+280) vs Ohio State (-355)
- Spread: Miami +9.5 (-110) vs Ohio State -9.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 42.5 (-108) / Under 42.5 (-112)
Miami vs Ohio State Predictions
Score Prediction: Ohio State 27, Miami 13
By the time the Cotton Bowl kicks off on New Year’s Eve, it will be 25 days since Ohio State lost to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship. The focus is now on back-to-back national titles, a feat accomplished just three times in the last three decades: Georgia (2021-22), Alabama (2011-12), and Nebraska (1994-95).
Miami edged Texas A&M in the CFP first round, with its fourth-ranked scoring defense allowing just 326 yards and forcing three turnovers in a 10-3 victory in College Station.
Can the Hurricanes (11-2) also shut down the Buckeyes? I’m not counting on it.
Ohio State (12-1) is far too talented. Look for Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate, and Co. to put their stamp on a convincing win.
Miami vs Ohio State Best Bets
Ohio State -9.5 (-110)
Carson Beck has NFL upside. It wasn’t that long ago that he was in the conversation for the No. 1 overall pick. But narratives change, and the former Georgia quarterback has had to prove himself all over again.
Since throwing four interceptions in a 24-21 loss to Louisville on Oct. 17, Beck has gone eight straight games with at least one touchdown pass. More importantly, he’s thrown just three more picks. Miami’s record during that span: 6-1.
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While there is a lot to like about that, let’s get serious: Beck won’t see a defense more loaded than Ohio State. The Buckeyes rank first in the country in scoring defense, yards per game allowed, and passing yards per game allowed.
If Ohio State takes care of the ball, I can’t see Miami mustering enough offense to keep pace. That’s why I’m backing the defending champs for my college football pick of the day.
Under 42.5 Total Points (-112)
While the Buckeyes should win by double digits, I don’t think they’ll score enough to push the total to the over. Miami’s ferocious pass rush, led by Rueben Bain Jr., will keep Sayin on his toes.
However, Beck has been prone to turnovers, and I worry about his composure if the Buckeyes dial up the heat and make him uncomfortable.
Against Texas A&M, Beck didn’t have to do much to win. Ohio State will be an entirely different story.
To wrap up my Ohio State vs Miami predictions, I’m banking on these teams combining for fewer than 42.5 points. Make this wager with our top sportsbook promotions.
