Former Auburn DB Keionte Scott earns Cotton Bowl defensive award

The Miami Hurricanes defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes on New Year's Eve at the Cotton Bowl Classic in the biggest upset of the College Football Playoff. Former Auburn defensive back Keionte Scott's huge play helped give the Hurricanes a 24-14 victory to advance to the CFP semifinals.

With Miami up 7-0, Ohio State was on the move early in the second quarter, looking to tie the game. The Buckeyes had moved the football to the Hurricanes' 22-yard line. On second down with 16 yards to go, Scott intercepted Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin on an attempted screen pass to a wide receiver. Scott would then take that pass all the way into the endzone to give Miami a 14-0 lead with 11:49 left in the quarter. That play and his four tackles resulted in Scott winning the Cotton Bowl Classic Defensive Player of the Game honors.

Advertisement

Following the game, Scott credited his study of Ohio State's film for putting him in a position to make the play.

Yeah. It was on film for sure, but I think in the moment, with all the skill players on one side of the ball, so, obviously, knew the ball was coming in that area," Scott said postgame. "And then as soon as the tight end motioned, I kind of confirmed in my head -- made up in my mind that I was going at that moment. Shot my shot, and the ball went in my hands.

Scott had a stellar season for the Hurricanes, totaling 54 tackles and five sacks. He transferred to Miami after the 2024 season, which saw his playing time and production drop for Auburn. During his first two seasons with Auburn, he played more as an inside defensive back, but to start the 2024 season, he had moved to the outside. He struggled with that role and moved on from Auburn after the season. During his three seasons with Auburn, he collected 115 tackles and six for a loss. This season, he more than doubled that number with 13 tackles for loss.

Scott is coached by Zac Etheridge, who served as the Tigers' defensive back coach from 2021-2023. He was part of the staff for Bryan Harsin and was retained by Hugh Freeze when he was hired after the 2022 season. Etheridge would then serve the same role for the Houston Cougars during the 2024 season before joining the Miami Hurricanes. Etheridge was part of the Auburn team in 2010 that won the National Championship. The Miami Hurricanes will now await the winner between Georgia and Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Phillip on Twitter @PJordanSports

Advertisement

This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Former Auburn DB Keionte Scott earns Cotton Bowl defensive award