Experts release new Cotton Bowl CFP predictions: Can Canes upset Ohio State?

The Miami Hurricanes (11-2, No. 10 CFP) head into the Cotton Bowl Classic as underdogs against the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes (12-1, No. 2 CFP), who are listed as a 9.5-point underdog in most books. Despite the spread favoring Ohio State, the Canes have momentum and defensive strength make Miami a living dog. Miami’s defense tightened up significantly in the latter half of the season, highlighted by their gritty 10-3 win over Texas A&M in the first round of the College Football Playoff, where they forced stops against a top-tier offense. The depth and discipline on that side of the ball should allow the Canes to remain competitive in what is expected to be a low-scoring and tight game throughout.

Miami’s health report is encouraging, with most of the roster available and key contributors returning to practice as the team completes preparations for the Cotton Bowl. Against an Ohio State unit that often rides a strong offensive unit and elite defense, Miami’s balanced offense and opportunistic defense give them multiple ways to stay in range. The Buckeyes’ offense has been held in check against quality defenses at times this season, and Miami’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and limit big plays could keep the point total modest and the spread manageable.

High on motivation in their first CFP quarterfinal appearance, the Canes have the tools and coaching to defy expectations and keep it a one-goal game or maybe pull off an all-out upset on New Year’s Eve.

Preview Miami vs. Ohio State

Check out the interactive widget below to see the latest spreads, total and money odds and odds for the Miami-Ohio State game in the Cotton Bowl.

This prediction and best bet for Wednesday’s College Football Playoff game between the Hurricanes and Buckeyes comes from Dimers.comthe leader in sports betting predictions.

Game details

Miami vs. Key Info Ohio State.

• data: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Venues: AT&T Stadium
• NCAAF Rankings: Updated AP Top 25
• College Football News: Check out the latest updates from the official NCAA Football News page

Courses

Odds for key markets in the Hurricanes-Buckeyes CFP showdown.

• Spreads: Ohio State favored at -9.5
• Total (over/under): 40.5
• Money line odds: Miami +285, Ohio State -350

The odds and lines shown in this article are the best available from selected sports betting sites at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Expert Prediction: Miami vs. OSU

The latest simulation project of Dimers a 24-17 Ohio State win, a result that would keep the game competitive deep into the second half. That projected margin is consistent with the idea of ​​a controlled, lower-scoring Cotton Bowl where Miami’s defense consistently limits explosive plays and forces Ohio State to score points in a tougher way.

Best bet: Miami +9.5

take Miami +9.5 offers value based on matchup and predicted numbers. Dimers gives Canes and 53% chance of covering the spread. Miami’s defensive structure, combined with a game plan likely focused on ball control and field position, lends itself well to a one-score type of game. Even if Ohio State advances, Miami has the personnel and discipline to stay in numbers and threaten late.

Conclusion: Cotton Bowl Prediction

Ohio State deserves respect as the favorite, but this Cotton Bowl is shaping up to be a tighter game than the expansion suggests. The Canes bring a defense capable of slowing down elite opponents and enough balance on offense to avoid falling behind early. Whether Miami pushes for an outright upset or simply grinds this game into the fourth quarter, support Miami +9.5 matches both the dates and the games on the field in Dallas.

Please note that all college football best bets and college football predictions on this page are based on 10,000 simulations of Miami vs. Ohio State data based and accurate at time of publication. Their aim is to help you make more informed decisions when placing bets at online bookmakers.

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