### Miami Hurricanes Set to Clash with Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl The upcoming Cotton Bowl on December 31, 2025, will feature a highly anticipated matchup between the Miami Hurricanes and the Ohio State Buckeyes. This game marks a significant event in college football, as both teams have shown strong performances throughout the season. Miami enters the game with an 11-2 record, while Ohio State boasts a 12-1 record and is ranked No. 3 in the College Football Playoff (CFP) standings. Ohio State is favored to win by a margin of 9.5 to 10 points, reflecting their strong defensive capabilities and overall performance this season [https://wtop.com/ncaa-football/2025/12/no-3-ohio-state-and-miami-fl-meet-for-the-cotton-bowl][https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/ohio/ohio-state-vs-miami-betting-odds-point-spread-for-cotton-bowl-game]. ### Breakdown of the Cotton Bowl Matchup 1. **Team Records and Rankings** - Miami Hurricanes: 11-2 - Ohio State Buckeyes: 12-1, ranked No. 3 in the CFP 2. **Game Details** - Date: December 31, 2025 - Time: 7:30 p.m. EST - Location: Arlington, Texas 3. **Betting Odds** - Ohio State favored by 9.5 to 10 points [https://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/miami-fl-vs-ohio-state-picks-odds-college-football-playoff-2025][https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/ohio/ohio-state-vs-miami-betting-odds-point-spread-for-cotton-bowl-game]. 4. **Predictions and Insights** - Analysts predict that Ohio State's formidable defense will play a crucial role in the outcome of the game, potentially overpowering Miami's offense [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/miami-vs-ohio-state-predictions-142700856.html][https://nfldraftdiamonds.com/2025/12/ohio-state-buckeyes-vs-miami-hurricanes]. ### Key Statistics and Insights - **Ohio State's Defense**: Known for its aggressive and methodical play, Ohio State's defense is expected to be a significant factor in the game. They have consistently performed well against high-scoring teams this season [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/miami-vs-ohio-state-predictions-142700856.html]. - **Miami's Performance**: The Hurricanes have shown resilience throughout the season, but they will need to elevate their game to compete effectively against a top-tier opponent like Ohio State [https://nfldraftdiamonds.com/2025/12/ohio-state-buckeyes-vs-miami-hurricanes]. ### Conclusion: Anticipation Builds for the Cotton Bowl In summary, the Cotton Bowl promises to be an exciting clash between two storied programs. With Ohio State entering as the favorite, the game will test Miami's ability to rise to the occasion against a formidable opponent. Key factors to watch will include Ohio State's defensive strategy and Miami's offensive execution. 1. **Ohio State's strong defense is expected to dominate the game**. 2. **Miami must enhance its performance to compete effectively**. 3. **The matchup is set for December 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas**. As the game approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this matchup unfolds and which team will advance in the College Football Playoff [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/film-forecast-cotton-bowl-miami-130000700.html][https://1070thezone.iheart.com/content/2025-12-21-ohio-st-vs-miami-cotton-bowl-prediction-odds].