Nick Saban called his shot very early for Miami’s unlikely run in the College Football Playoff
The legendary coach hit the nail on the head regarding the Hurricanes before the field was even set.
The Miami Hurricanes are on a tear over the last two months, and that continued at the expense of the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes on New Year’s Eve in Arlington, Texas. The Canes knocked off the Buckeyes 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl to advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
The Hurricanes did what they’ve done all year – beat teams into submission on both sides of the line of scrimmage. The Hurricanes rolled up five sacks and absolutely dominated Ohio State’s offensive line for the majority of the game. On the other side of the ball, Miami controlled the time of possession and were able to steadily run the ball, totaling 153 rushing yards on 37 carries. Ohio State came in allowing an average of around 84 rushing yards per game.
ESPN College Gameday analyst and legendary coach Nick Saban tried to warn everyone before the field was even set that the Hurricanes could go on a run if they got in. During a College Gameday segment before the Ohio State-Michigan game, Saban referred to the Canes as one of the most dangerous teams in college football who could go on a run in the playoff if they got in. And for the reasons he stated, he was spot on.
Nick Saban predicted over a month ago that Miami would be one of the most dangerous teams in the playoff if they got in
“I think if Miami gets into the playoffs, they will be one of the most dangerous teams in the playoff,” Saban said. “Forget about the ACC. I mean, with Carson Beck, the offensive line they have, the skill guys they have, the defense they have – I don’t want to say they underachieved by losing two games, but if they get in this playoff, they’re going to be the most dangerous team that anybody has to play because of the talent level they have.”
The Hurricanes win over Ohio State was nothing short of a complete team win that checked all those boxes. Miami’s offensive line obviously had a strong day in pacing a strong rushing effort while protecting Beck pretty well (two sacks allowed with one coming on a late scramble that went for a half yard loss). The defense was dominant for almost three out of four quarters. Miami got contributions across the board from their skill position players. Wide receivers Malachi Toney, CJ Daniels, and Keelan Marion all had five catches. Running backs Mark Fletcher, Jr. and Marty Brown each scored. Beck was smart with the football and did enough with his arm and, surprisingly, his legs (seven rushes for 23 yards) to move the sticks and avoid any big mistakes.
The Hurricanes have allowed 17 points in two games to two teams who were undefeated after Thanksgiving. The team looks as physical, fast, and motivated as any team in the country. Saban saw it, and the Canes will look to continue to make him look more like a prophet in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8.
College Football
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