The reaction from Michael Irvin following a game-changing pick-six from Keionte Scott was a microcosm of Miami fans everywhere. Scott returned an interception 72 yards for a touchdown to extend the Miami lead to 14-0, 1:42 after a Mark Fletcher four-yard reception for a score gave the Hurricanes a 7-0 lead.
The interception return by Beck came two plays after Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin connected with All-American wide receiver for a 59-yard gain. Rueben Bain sacked Sayin for a six-yard loss on the play before the Scott interception.
Scott read the play perfectly on the interception. Scott jumped the route in the flat that was intended for American Heritage alum Brandon Inniss. After the interception, Scott had clear sailing to the end zone to give Miami the two-score lead.
The interception was the marquee play in a dominant first-half performance by the Miami defense. Miami held Ohio State to 154 yards, eight first downs and had four tackles for loss and three sacks. Bain had two tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and one sack. Akheem Mesidor had three tackles, two TFLs and two sacks.
Michael Irvin was HYPED after that Miami pick-six against Ohio State😤 pic.twitter.com/Ebeoth2Oot
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) January 1, 2026
Hurricanes defense sets the tone
In addition to the interception return for the TD, Scott finished the first half with one tackle. Miami held Sayin to 11 completions in 20 attempts for 157 yards, no touchdowns and one interception as the Hurricanes took a 14-0 lead at halftime.
Miami forced three Ohio State three-and-outs and the other two drives were four and five plays until the final Ohio State possession of the first half. Ohio State had a 12-play, 67-yard drive on its final possession that culminated with Jayden Fielding missing a 49-yard field goal.
Miami held Ohio State to minus three yards rushing in the first half. Ohio State will have possession to start the third quarter after the empty drive that ended the first half.