miami’s dominant defense impresses vs. ohio state
Miami was able to hold flex their defense putting a stop to Ohio States season.
All year it seemed as if Miami although bolstering a solid defense had moments throughout the year that would make you scratch your head while also having plays like versus Notre Dame that would make playoff predictors salivate. This team is rolling at the right time. From barely making into the playoffs to holding two really good teams to under 20-points. Even with Reuben Bain Jr. gaining momentum on Mel’s big board his performance last night in my opinion placed him comfortably in the top-5. Not only was he doing anything he wanted it wasn’t in quite way. He was making his presence felt from the opening snap. There was a play in the first half where he took the joy out football for the poor tackle trying to block him. Bain set the edge with one hand on the tackle and the other on the running back. On the other side of the ball they have the next great WR in Toney. Malachi was everywhere on the field last night. There are players that are simply blessed by the football gods: never get hurt, never make the big mistake, and always have the ball bounce in their direction. This has never been more true with Toney fumbling twice last night both bouncing back into his arms in stride. It would be an disservice to not mention Carson Beck. Beck coming into last night 35 wins under his belt between SEC and ACC play. That type of experience is the reason Miami brought him in. I can’t lie I did not believe in him based on prior games but he showed up.
As for Ohio State, it was a different story while still playing great it seemed that they were simply over matched last night. Ohio States defense has some of the best looking prospects we have seen on a single defense in years. Arvell Reese is Michael Myers, Sonny Styles an animal in the middle and arguable the best defense we have been in 5 years Caleb Downs but still they were not enough to stop the Hurricanes offense. Downs had a hell of a game as he was all over the field coming down hill with bad intentions play after play. The Ohio State front could not keep constant pressure on the experienced Beck. On offense the only answer was Jeremiah Smith who I cannot over state this is the best offensive prospect we have seen maybe this century. There has been a lot of talk about Smith even in his young career but I don’t think even those do him justice. Smith finished we 150+ yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. If I was Sayin despite Day’s play calling I would have just said “fuck it, Jeremiah Smith is down there somewhere”.
If I am in Jeremiah Smith’s camp even though he is competitor there has to be a conversation of skipping next year staying Ohio and training for the 2027 draft. We can look back to an easy comparison with Jamar Chase who skipped his last year at LSU to prepare and his draft stock was not hurt as previously assumed by the old heads. Honestly if you look at the numbers what does Smith have left to prove other than a Heisman which hasn’t been done by a WR since Alabama’s Smith. Jeremiah has the build of an NFL WR along with the other attributes needed. Take the year off training and prepare to be a top-3 draft next year.
What does Miami have left going into the next round?
