Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor dominated for the second consecutive game in the College Football Playoff as Miami advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Bain and Mesidor combined for eight tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks
Miami had a 43 percent pressure rate against Ohio State, according to Pro Football Focus. That was the second-highest pressure rate Ohio State has allowed this season. Only Penn State had a higher pressure rate against Ohio State in 2025.
Miami had 7.0 TFLs and 5.0 sacks against Ohio State. That was the most sacks Ohio State has allowed in 2025. Bain had an 83.5 PFF grade and 78.1 run defense grade with six quarterback pressures versus Ohio State. Miami generated 22 pressures as a team against Ohio State.
In the two CFP games, Bain and Mesidor have combined for 33 pressures, 18 tackles, 9.0 TFLs and 7,0 sacks. Mesidor has a 30 percent pass rush win rate and Bain 23 percent in the two CFP games. Dalton Wasserman of PFF noted that a 20 percent pass rush win rate is elite.
The Miami defensive line dominated a Texas A&M offensive line that is third nationally, allowing 3.31 TFLs and 29th, permitting 1.46 sacks per game. Ohio State is 17th, allowing 4.0 TFLs and 13th, permitting 1.14 sacks per game.
Through the Ohio State, Mesidor has 56 tackles, 15.5 TFLs, 10.5 sacks and 4.0 forced fumbles. Bain has 45 tackles, 13.0 TFLs and 8.5 sacks. The numbers for Bain and Mesidor are better measured in their PFF grades than their season totals. Bain and Mesidor were nearly unblockable against Texas A&M and Ohio State.
Next up for Bain, Mesidor and the Miami defense is a Mississippi offense that is 49th, allowing 4.93 TFLs and 18th, permitting 1.29 sacks per game. Miami is 14th nationally, averaging 6.79 TFLs and has moved up to third, posting 3.29 sacks per game, entering the Fiesta Bowl.