Paul Finebaum lays out the 'recipe' for No. 10 Miami to upset No. 2 Ohio State in Cotton Bowl

There is no denying that Miami was sensational in the win over Texas A&M, holding the Aggies to a season-low 326 yards. Quarterback Marcel Reed was sacked seven times after coming into the game with 10 all season and threw two interceptions, including the one in the end zone to end the game.

With two of the nation's top receivers in Jeremiah Smith (1,086 yards, 11 TDs) and Carnell Tate (838 yards, nine TDs) at Sayin's disposal, Finebaum believes "it's a narrow path" for Miami to pull the upset despite the success it found against Texas A&M.

"I don't think it's going to happen, and I'm not crazy about Carson Beck," Finebaum said. "He's probably ranked at the bottom of the quarterbacks in the CFP field... He has been good, but he is not elite and I think to win this game, Miami is going to need near flawless play from him."

Beck has the second-best completion percentage (74.3%) in the country, but he has does have 10 interceptions on the season, including a season-high four in the loss to Louisville. That does not bode well going against the best defense in the country, putting even more emphasis on Miami's defense.

Indiana forced Sayin into his sixth interception of the entire season and constantly had the Buckeyes under pressure in the Big Ten title game. If Miami can put together a performance similar to its first-round win and replicate what Indiana did when it handed Ohio State its only loss of the season, the Hurricanes could have a chance.

Even if the defense plays well, though, 10 points will not be enough against this Ohio State team. Keeping the Buckeyes out of rhythm will be key, but Miami must put up more points if it is going to punch its ticket to the CFP semifinals and take out the defending national champions.