Miami is gearing up for an important matchup against reigning national champions Ohio State in the College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals, but doubts surrounding their quarterback Carson Beck have heightened ahead of the game. Former NFL star Booger McFarland has voiced concerns, asserting that Miami has “zero chance” of prevailing against Ohio State if Beck is at the helm.
The Hurricanes’ path to this critical stage was marked by a notable victory over Texas A&M, where they showcased a strong defensive performance to win 10-3 at Kyle Field. Despite the win, Beck’s performance raised eyebrows. He completed only 20 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown, relying heavily on junior running back Mark Fletcher Jr., who recorded 172 rushing yards on 17 carries for support. While Beck did contribute an end-around handoff to a freshman for a game-winning touchdown late in the game, critics feel this has not offset his overall lackluster showing.
During ESPN’s coverage of the matchup against Texas A&M, McFarland didn’t hold back, even suggesting on social media that he would prefer Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed over Beck. In his now-deleted tweet, McFarland emphasized that Miami’s playoff chances hinge on Beck’s performance, or lack thereof.
Beck’s early season was initially promising, as he led Miami to a 27-24 victory over Notre Dame and helped them achieve a 5-0 record at one point, propelling them to No. 2 in the AP Top 25. However, the recent disappointing display against Texas A&M has led to skepticism about his readiness to confront a formidable Ohio State squad, which boasts a strong 12-1 record.
If Miami manages to upset Ohio State, it could pave the way for a significant rematch against Beck’s former team, Georgia, in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, 2026. Beck’s decision to transfer to Miami instead of declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft has added another layer of pressure as he approaches this critical game. The Hurricanes will need their quarterback to rise to the occasion if they want to keep their playoff dreams alive and start the New Year on a triumphant note.