Prior to the Cotton Bowl, Ohio State coach Ryan Day tried to make the game against Miami somewhat of a mandate on recruiting in South Florida, but Mario Cristobal is attempting to flip the script and force the Buckeyes to protect their backyard.
The Hurricanes are continuing to be in hot pursuit of blue-chip wide receiver Jamier Brown, one of the top prospects in Ohio. Brown, a Dayton native, is committed to Ohio State and is currently a solid Buckeye, but it's a long way to January and expect Cristobal to test the strength of that commitment over the next 11 months.