College football fans slam ESPN scoring error during Ohio State-Miami playoff game

College football fans were caught up in the playoff showdown between the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes and the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes on Wednesday night.

The Hurricanes took a two-point lead on a smart touchdown pass by Carson Beck and a pick-six by Keionte Scott.

On social media, college football fans were upset about a different issue.

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Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin (10) heads to the sideline as Miami defensive back Zechariah Poyser (7) reacts after Sayin threw an interception that was returned for a score by defensive back Keionte Scott during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

ESPN’s scoring error seemed to distract viewers and they made it known on But college football fans were upset that it appeared a penalty flag had been thrown on the play.

No penalties were called in the first half of the game and Miami took a 14-0 lead into the locker room.

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Miami quarterback Carson Beck, right, prepares to hand off the pass to running back Mark Fletcher Jr. during the first half of the Cotton Bowl College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against Ohio State on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Beck found Mark Fletcher Jr. for a 9-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. The scorer rectified Fletcher’s fumble on the previous possession.

Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin attempted to respond with a touchdown. Instead, Sayin threw an interception to Scott, who returned the ball for a touchdown.

The Buckeyes were moving the ball well on their final drive of the half. It seemed like Sayin was finally starting to find his groove. The drive ended with a missed 49-yard field goal attempt.

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Ohio State was on the ropes entering the second half.

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