Everything about Ohio State’s looming challenge against Miami starts with the Hurricanes’ defense, and what they showed against Texas A&M was nothing short of dominant. Julian Sayin and the rest of the Ohio State offense are on high alert going into this matchup against the Hurricanes.
Julian Sayin Identifies the Key Adjustment
Miami isn’t just a team that sneaked into the CFP field; they proved they belong with their first-round statement win against Texas A&M.
That dominance has not gone unnoticed in Columbus.
Ohio State quarterback Sayin has openly acknowledged the biggest concern heading into the matchup: handling Miami’s pass rush.
Ohio State’s Julian Sayin said Miami has a really good defense. He called them well-coached and said it would be a good challenge for the #Buckeyes.
— Patrick Murphy (@_Pat_Murphy) December 22, 2025
The solution is getting the ball out of his hands quicker. Quick reads and decisive throws will be essential to neutralize a defensive line that thrives on creating chaos in obvious passing situations.
“Sayin said the Ohio State offense has to execute better. He said he can’t hold the ball as long against good defensive lines like he did in the Big Ten Championship Game.” (via Patrick Murphy)
Sayin said the Ohio State offense has to execute better. He said he can’t hold the ball as long against good defensive lines like he did in the Big Ten Championship Game.
— Patrick Murphy (@_Pat_Murphy) December 22, 2025
Miami’s defense was on full display against Texas A&M, with Marcel Reed running for his life throughout the game.
Sayin understands that holding the ball too long simply plays into Miami’s strengths, making tempo and timing critical for Ohio State’s offense.
Miami’s Defense Sets the Tone
Miami overwhelmed one of the nation’s top-rated offenses, finishing the game with seven sacks and nine tackles for loss.
That performance becomes even more impressive when factoring in the mobility of Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed, who is known for extending plays. Miami never allowed him to settle in, consistently collapsing the pocket and forcing him to play on the run all afternoon.
At the center of that disruption was defensive end Rueben Bain, who delivered a game-wrecking performance with three sacks and four tackles for loss. He was joined by Akheem Mesidor, who added 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss of his own. According to PFSN, Bain posted an 82.7 Edge Impact Grade, ranking 15th nationally in 2025, while Mesidor earned an 80.5 grade, good for 31st.
Those two serve as the engines of a Miami defensive front that has quietly become one of the best units in the country. The Hurricanes boast an overall defensive grade of 89.6, sixth nationally, and are allowing just 13.8 points per game, also the sixth-best in the nation.
Ohio State’s Run Game and Offensive Line Under the Microscope
Establishing the run will also be a significant factor. Ohio State cannot afford to get stuck in predictable down-and-distance situations that allow Miami’s defensive front to pin its ears back. Surprisingly, the Buckeyes have not leaned heavily on the ground game this season, averaging just 162.77 rushing yards per game, which ranks 64th nationally.
That number will need to be better if Ohio State hopes to keep Miami guessing, extend drives, and create easier opportunities for first downs. A more consistent rushing attack would help slow the pass rush and create a more balanced offense.
The Buckeyes’ offensive line will be tested all game. According to PFSN, Ohio State’s offensive line carries an 83.4 Impact Grade, ranking 21st nationally. While solid on paper, that unit faces its toughest challenge yet against a Miami defensive front that has proven capable of taking over games.
For Sayin and Ohio State, the blueprint is straightforward but demanding: play fast, stay balanced, and don’t allow Miami’s defense to dictate the tempo. If they fail to do so, the Hurricanes have already shown they can turn a marquee matchup into a long afternoon for any quarterback caught holding the ball too long.
