Mario Cristobal delivers awesome Carson Beck quote after Miami stunned Ohio State

The "U" back? No, the "U" is here.

Miami is the first team in the CFP Final Four, beating the defending champion Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl to advance to the semifinals on January 8 in the Fiesta Bowl against either Georgia or Ole Miss.

The big storyline coming into the game would be Carson Beck. He was brought to Miami through the transfer portal for big games and on Wednesday night he showed he was a big-game performer. Beck didn't do anything flashy statistically, but he was in full command of the offense, throwing for 138 yards and a touchdown. He also used his legs for a couple of big runs, showing his gamer mentality.

"You know, whoever doubts him, that's fine," Mario Cristobal said about the play of his quarterback. "He's going to continue to prove himself as a great teammate, a great competitor and a true Miami Hurricane."

Beck has been a magnet for criticism since he arrived in Miami after four years at Georgia. The fifth-year senior started the season hot and was an early favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. But in the Hurricanes' two losses, Beck threw multiple interceptions and his ability to lead Miami in the big games was questioned.

But Beck showed his composure and experience in the first two playoff games. He hasn't done anything spectacular, but he isn't making mistakes and when the Hurricanes needed Beck to make a play, he did it.

Hurricanes prove CFP committee made the right choice

The Hurricanes were a key part of the drama on CFP selection Sunday when the final at-large spot was between Miami and Notre Dame. Although Notre Dame had been ranked ahead of Miami for the final several weeks, the Hurricanes won the head-to-head matchup over the Irish in Week 1 and got the nod.

If there were any questions about whether the Hurricanes belonged in the tournament, they have been answered. Meanwhile, teams with a first-round bye are now 0-5 in the playoffs.