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Once again, Ohio State and Miami are meeting in a bowl game with national title implications. Only this time, it's a couple rounds earlier. In 2003 (the 2002 season), the Buckeyes beat the Hurricanes in a Fiesta Bowl for the ages. That Fiesta Bowl, which THE Ohio State University won 31-24, also doubled as the BCS National Championship game that year.
It was an instant classic, so this Cotton Bowl game, which takes place in the quarterfinal round, has a high bar to reach for. As this is a game that means a lot, we don't have to worry about opt-outs, and thus, we'll see a lot of future NFL talent on display here.
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As this game is being played in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex, it's fair to call Ohio State the J.R. Ewing of college football. Their program is rich, powerful, and as the reigning champions, they are the character that you love to hate. Miami, on the other hand, is a sleeper pick at best for the title game.
The Canes enter as heavy underdogs.
Ohio State 1st Round Prospects to Watch
Definitely in contention to be the #1 overall pick, and he might just be the first non-quarterback off the board.
Caleb Downs, S
Considered by many the top overall prospect, regardless of position. However, safeties almost never get picked in the top five, and rarely in the top ten.
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Carnell Tate, WR
Could be the first reciever off the boards, and might even find his way into the top five. The recent tradition of OSU being WRU continues.
Sonny Styles, LB
He has top 15 overall potential. Styles should also be the first player off the board at his position, but he also plays a position that isn't valued all that highly when it comes to the NFL Draft.
He led an OSU defense that didn't even give up double digit points until well into midseason.
Kayden McDonald, DL
With five players that look likely to get selected in the first round, Ohio State is to the NFL Draft what upscale steakhouses are to Dallas. They just have that much talent and depth; all around.
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Edge Kenyatta Jackson might also work his way into the later stages of the first round while OT Austin Siereveld, TE Max Klare and CB Davison Igbinosun are all solid day two guys
Miami NFL Draft Prospects to Watch
Ruben Bain, Edge
Not much more need be said about this guy, who is a very strong contender to go first overall. Blue chip, can't miss, The Next Big Thing, name your buzz phrase, because they all apply.
Francis Mauigoa, DT
Has potential to go top 15, maybe even top 10
Akheem Mesidor, Edge
There is a major player (and day two prospect in his own right) playing on opposite edge of Bain
Carson Beck, QB
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One of the more publicized players in all of college football, Beck looks like a day three pick right now.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Cotton Bowl overflowing with future NFL Draft picks
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