Ohio State wideout Jeremiah Smith fired a shot at Miami ahead of the Cotton Bowl, bringing up the Hurricanes’ loss in the 2003 BCS National Championship game.
The teams square off New Year’s Eve in what’s already shaping up as a heated matchup.
Smith referenced Ohio State’s 31-24 double-overtime victory over Miami in January 2003. He suggested the Hurricanes haven’t moved past that defeat.
“You see it all over the internet, all over Twitter. They’re still talking about that 20 years later, they’re still worried about it,” Smith told reporters.
Miami coach Mario Cristobal responded the same day with a measured rebuke of Smith’s comments.
“I have too much respect for the game of football, having played it, to just openly just come out and speak about other teams,” Cristobal said. “To each its own, I don’t judge. I don’t. Different programs have different ways of doing things. It’s not part of our culture. Always respect your opponent, always prepare to the highest standard humanly possible.”
The Miami coach emphasized that past results don’t determine future outcomes.
Cristobal appeared more disappointed than concerned about Smith’s narrative. He stressed sportsmanship while acknowledging different programs handle trash talk differently.
The exchange adds another layer to what was already expected to be an intense Cotton Bowl clash.
Both teams now shift focus back to preparation as Ohio State looks to advance while Miami tries to keep their season alive.
The war of words could spill over once kickoff arrives.
