The College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal between Ohio State and Miami will be played on December 31st at 7:30 p.m. ET (4:30 p.m. PT), broadcast nationally on ESPN. The game takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the home field of the Dallas Cowboys.
The Teams and Their Paths to the Quarterfinals
Ohio State entered the expanded 12-team CFP ranked highly, but suffered an upset loss to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship after an otherwise perfect regular season. Miami, seeded 10th, pulled off a major first-round upset by defeating No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3 on December 20th. They now face Ohio State as underdogs, seeking another victory on the road in Texas.
Where to Watch Live: TV and Streaming Options
For viewers with traditional cable or satellite subscriptions, the game will be available on ESPN. Those without a cable package have several streaming options:
- ESPN Unlimited: Offers access to all CFP games for $30 per month.
- Sling Orange: Carries ESPN for $46 per month.
- Fubo: Streams ESPN for $56 per month.
- DirecTV MySports: Available for $70 per month.
- YouTube TV: Provides ESPN coverage for $83 per month.
- Hulu Plus Live TV: Also offers ESPN for $83 per month.
These streaming services provide a convenient way to watch the game without a long-term cable commitment.
Why This Game Matters
This quarterfinal is significant because it showcases the expanded 12-team format of the CFP. Miami’s upset victory in the first round demonstrates that lower-seeded teams can compete effectively, adding unpredictability to the tournament. The game will test Ohio State’s ability to rebound from their championship loss and maintain their status as a top contender. The winner will advance to the CFP Semifinal.
The expanded playoff format is designed to increase access for more teams, creating greater competitive balance and excitement for college football fans.
The Ohio State vs. Miami game is a key event in the newly structured College Football Playoff, with high stakes for both teams as they compete for a spot in the next round.
