“Mass kicks a*s”: Mario Cristobal makes Nick Saban laugh as he reveals the tactics that helped Miami pull biggest upset in CFP history

Mario Cristobal's 10th-seeded Miami recorded a 24-14 win over second-seeded Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday. The Hurricanes got the biggest point-spread upset in 12-year College Football Playoff history to advance to the semifinals.

On Thursday, Miami coach Cristobal appeared on ESPN's "College GameDay" and recalled the advice he received from Nick Saban when he worked with the former Alabama coach, which he used to get the better of Ohio State. Saban, who now serves as a crew member on the "GameDay" panel, couldn't help but chuckle when Cristobal rehashed his philosophy.

"It was one of the greatest lessons under you at Alabama," Cristobal told Saban. "You used to tell us all the time, 'Mass kicks a*s,' right? We did get some big, massive guys. I guess the best way to say it, coach, is we're getting better."

Cristobal worked under Saban at Alabama from 2013 to 2016. He served as the assistant head coach, offensive line coach, and recruiting coordinator. They worked together to help the Tide win the national title in the 2015 season.

Cristobal is in his fourth year as Miami's coach. This is the first time he has led the Hurricanes to the playoffs, and the Hurricanes just took down the reigning national champions in the quarterfinals.

Mario Cristobal's Miami will play either Ole Miss or Georgia in CFP semifinals

College Football Playoff Quarterfinal - Miami HC Mario Cristobal - Source: Getty

Mario Cristobal's Miami will face either the winner of the Ole Miss vs. Georgia game in the College Football Playoff semifinals in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8.

The third-seeded Rebels will lock horns with the sixth-seeded Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl later on Thursday.

With a big win over the Buckeyes, the Hurricanes will be aiming to carry the momentum and go all the way to potentially win the national title. Miami's quarterback, Carson Beck, is expected to play a critical role for the team if it is to achieve championship success.

Edited by Arnold