Nick Saban is telling Miami that they are not beating Ohio State 10-3 like they did against Texas A&M. The Hall of Fame coach and current ESPN analyst summed it up saying, "Miami's going to have to do more on offense to beat Ohio State."
"Miami's going to have to do more on offense to beat Ohio State." 👀
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) December 30, 2025
Nick Saban on Miami as they prepare for their CFP Quarterfinal matchup against Ohio State 🏆
(via @patmcafeeshow) pic.twitter.com/D6XzqnTVDe
The Hurricanes (11-2) face the defending national champion Buckeyes (12-1) in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Nick Saban gives Capt. Obvious a run for his money
The Hurricanes advanced to play Ohio State by beating Texas A&M 10-3 in the first round, leaning on a dominant defensive effort and a run-heavy plan in swirling winds at Kyle Field.
Miami offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson has pushed back on the "they can't score enough" narrative, calling out what he sees as a double standard around some recent low-scoring games. Dawson pointed to Ohio State's most recent outing and basically asked why that 13-10 loss is forgotten while Miami's 10-3 win gets treated like it's bad.
Ohio State has its own offensive questions right now, too. The Buckeyes have not played since that 13-10 loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship Game, and they will have to have answers for Miami's D-line. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin has put up big numbers all year, but the offense has had their two worst games against the two best teams on their schedule this season (Texas and Indiana).
For Miami, the Canes are going to need quarterback Carson Beck to make plays instead of game managing. Getting the ball into the hands of Malachi Toney and the other receivers will be crucial to keep up with the Buckeyes if they get rolling. Weather also won't be a factor in this game, so that could help both offenses on Wednesday.