The Silver Bulletin’s Blake Biscardi was on-site in Texas, covering the Cotton Bowl between Ohio State and Miami. Here’s a recap of the week.

Miami defeated Ohio State 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl. This was a quarterfinal matchup of the College Football Playoff, with the winner advancing to play Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl.

Here is a recap of all of the on-site coverage throughout the week, ranging from inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center to AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Game Day Coverage:

Ohio State falls to 0-3 in College Football Playoff games on New Year’s Eve, losing to Miami 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl. Full recap here.

Head Coaches News Conference Recap:

When Ryan Day talks about leadership, he starts with people. I spoke to Ohio State’s head coach at Cotton Bowl Media Day, and it was one of the richest conversations I’ve ever had as I listened like a student. 

Day reflected on the lessons that have shaped Ohio State from last December to now, framing the Buckeyes’ postseason run as the product of the right people, a strong foundation, and an elite culture. 

“It always comes down to people,” Day said. “When you go through adversity, that’s when you really find out about people — how tight your group is, how connected you really are.” Full article here. 

Cotton Bowl Media Day:

The leader of the Ohio State football program has preached two things to this group of Buckeyes: routine and foundation. Last year, Ryan Day emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation – brick by brick – because when the storms come, the foundation will be able to withstand them. Day’s claim was evidenced after losing to Michigan, which fueled a generational run in the College Football Playoff that culminated in the school’s ninth National Championship. Full recap here.

Ohio State Defensive Media Availability:

Ohio State intensifies Cotton Bowl preparation against Miami, leaning on routine and leadership as the Buckeyes chase another title. Full recap here.

Ohio State Offensive Media Availability:

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and four offensive players met with the media to discuss the Cotton Bowl matchup against Miami.

The Buckeyes are locked in for the College Football Playoff, and the message from the Cotton Bowl press conference was clear: this team is motivated, focused, and ready to write its own story. Full story here.