The College Football Playoff rankings are out, and despite losing Miami still remains as the favorite to win the ACC. Ohio State is pegged as the best non-conference champion with Oregon still expected to take the Big Ten.
In the scenario that is widely projected as of now, the Buckeyes would take on a team like Boise State or Alabama in the first round. A win would mean the Buckeyes would see the Miami Hurricanes in the quarterfinal as they will more than likely be the No. 4 seed if they win the ACC.
Let’s assuming that becomes reality. How does Ohio State match up with Miami? Well, Miami is led by QB Cam Ward, who has done it all and has 3,494 passing yards on the season.
Yes, the competition has been modest, but through four games, the calmness and pocket awareness of Cam Ward have been better this year.
His willingness to limit the Houdini-like and turnover worthy plays by simply finding his check downs have helped him (so far) this year. pic.twitter.com/sU4eTSd3z3
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) September 22, 2024
No rusher for Miami has over 700, so it is certainly a pass-heavy side, one that lives or dies by Ward’s play. Ohio State ranks 22nd in the nation in opponents’ average passer rating. Of 134 programs, that’s a pretty solid rank and shows a capable secondary.
Defensively, it has allowed 31 or more four times, to Duke, Louisville, California and Virginia Tech.
Louisville is probably the best among those teams, and QB Tyler Shough went for 342 passing yards and four touchdowns while the Cardinals racked up just 106 rushing yards. Against Georgia Tech, in Miami’s lone loss, it was the opposite as it gave up 271 yards on the ground.
That said, Ohio State may have its options when it comes to how it wants to pick apart Miami. At the end of the day, the Hurricanes performances this season is more about their offensive showing and stopping Ward.
If Ohio State can do that, it would, in this scenario, be able to advance and be one of the four teams left standing.
