Former Alabama Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban has had a chance to reflect on Ohio State's Cotton Bowl loss to Miami New Year's Eve.
In so many words, Saban was bitterly disappointed in the Buckeyes' performance after expectations had them chasing yet another national title. Those dreams were dashed by the Miami Hurricanes, who pulled off a 24-14 upset.
“I think what impressed me the most is how relentless Miami competes in a game,” Saban said. “When Ohio State came out in the second half and answered the bell, Miami just kept playing. They rode through the smoke and made the plays they had to make when they needed to make them. These guys are the real deal, and they’re peaking at the right time.”
Coach Ryan Day also recognized that the Hurricanes outplayed the Buckeyes no matter what the eventual final score indicated.
"We worked really hard during the last three weeks leading up to this game to come out of the gates and win the first quarter, win the first half, be ready to go," Day told reporters. "I thought we had an excellent plan on that in what we did. I think the guys bought into it. But at the end of the day, we didn't get it done; and that starts with me and goes down from there."
Day said much of the fall back should be on him for the loss.
"So I take responsibility for not getting the guys ready," Day said. "And as you know, we spent an inordinate amount of time putting the plan together to get everybody ready to go play in that first half, and we didn't win the first half. So, you know, we've got to figure out why that was and learn from it moving forward."
The Hurricanes are going to play the Ole Miss Rebels in the semifinals next Thursday in the Fiesta Bowl (7:30 p.m. ET), as the Buckeyes are likely left searching for answers with the off-season already underway.