Mario Cristobal wants Hurricanes to be even more physical in the second half

The Miami Hurricanes are 30 minutes away from advancing to the CFP final four. 

It's been defense and physical play that has carried the Hurricanes to a 14-0 halftime lead against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. Mark Fletcher bounced back from an early fumble to score the game's first touchdown on a nine-yard reception and Keionte Scott extended the lead with a 72-yard interception return.

The Miami defensive line, led by Rueben Bain Jr and Akheem Mesidor, needed to show up tonight against the Buckeyes and so far they've been better than advertised. Mesidor has two sacks already and Bain added a sack of his own. Only some great effort plays from Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin has kept that sack total from getting higher.

Miami has controlled the field position and has a eight-and-a-half-minute advantage in time of possession (19:15-10:45). Ohio State has done nothing on the ground with a team total of minus-3 yards rushing. The Hurricanes have held the Buckeyes to 1-of-6 on third downs.

"In a game like this it's body blows. You've just got to keep bringing it, like every single play. All 11have to outhit the other side and also when you get hit, you've got to get your ass back up and go," Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal said to ESPN at the half.

Hurricanes have missed some opportunities

As good as the first half has been for Miami, it could've been better. Fletcher's fumble came right at the foot of the red zone, with the Hurricanes looking to get on the board midway through the first quarter. 

Miami's final possession of the half got down to the Buckeye 30, but Carson Beck took a sack and a screen pass to Malachi Toney was blown up behind the line for a four-yard loss and the Hurricanes were forced to punt.

The punt was good, and Ohio State started its final possession of the half at their own 2, but the Buckeyes put together a solid drive that stalled out at the Miami 33. Luckily, it didn't lead to points because kicker Jayden Fielding missed a field goal. 

"We wasted an opportunity there before halftime to get some more points on the board and put our defense in a bad spot. So we've got to come out and get that fixed," Cristobal added.