Miami Beats Ole Miss 31-27 to Reach CFP Final/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Miami defeated Ole Miss 31-27 in a thrilling Fiesta Bowl matchup. Carson Beck’s late touchdown sent the Hurricanes to the national title game. The win marks Miami’s return to championship contention for the first time since 2001.
Miami Beats Ole Miss Quick Looks
- Miami wins 31-27 in Fiesta Bowl thriller
- Carson Beck scores game-winning touchdown with 18 seconds left
- Hurricanes return to national title game for first time in 25 years
- Malachi Toney and Keelan Marion deliver key touchdowns
- Ole Miss finishes historic season under interim coach Pete Golding
- Rebels lose despite strong performance from QB Trinidad Chambliss
- Lucas Carneiro hits four field goals for Ole Miss
- Miami to face Indiana or Oregon on January 19 in CFP final
- Defense led by coordinator Corey Hetherman pivotal to Miami’s run
- Lane Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU before the playoff
Miami Beats Ole Miss 31-27 to Reach CFP Final
Deep Look
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Miami Hurricanes, long removed from their early-2000s glory, are heading home with a shot at their first national championship since 2001 after a gritty 31-27 victory over Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl.
Quarterback Carson Beck, known for his poise and championship pedigree, delivered when it mattered most. With just 18 seconds remaining, Beck scrambled into the end zone from three yards out, sealing the win and sending Miami into the CFP title game.
Beck, who previously won a national title as a backup at Georgia, finished the game with 268 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His leadership down the stretch was crucial, especially in a high-pressure environment where the Hurricanes trailed late in the fourth quarter.
Miami, ranked 10th and having not played in the ACC title game, faced heavy criticism upon entering the playoff. But they proved their worth by defeating Texas A&M and defending national champion Ohio State before taking down a high-octane Ole Miss team in Arizona.
The Hurricanes’ defensive transformation under first-year coordinator Corey Hetherman has been central to their success. They limited Texas A&M and Ohio State to just 17 combined points and held Ole Miss to just 27, despite a late rally from the Rebels.
Miami controlled the first half, with its defense setting the tone by holding Ole Miss to minus-1 yard in the first quarter. After falling behind early in the second quarter due to a 73-yard touchdown run from Kewan Lacy, the Hurricanes responded with methodical offensive drives.
Running back CharMar Brown scored on a 4-yard touchdown run, and Beck connected with receiver Keelan Marion for a 52-yard touchdown just before halftime. Malachi Toney added a 36-yard touchdown on a screen pass in the second half, continuing his postseason breakout after starring in the win over Texas A&M.
Ole Miss refused to fold. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who led Ferris State to a Division II championship last year, threw for 277 yards and a touchdown. He connected with Dae’Quan Wright for a 24-yard touchdown late in the fourth quarter to put the Rebels ahead 27-24.
But Beck’s calm presence guided Miami down the field on the next possession, culminating in the game-winning scramble. The Hurricanes defense held Ole Miss on the final drive, breaking up a last-second pass into the end zone as time expired.
Despite the loss, Ole Miss completed one of the most successful seasons in school history. After head coach Lane Kiffin left for LSU prior to the playoffs, defensive coordinator Pete Golding was promoted and helped lead the Rebels to upset wins over Tulane and Georgia.
Golding praised his players after the game. “There was a lot going on the last month. They embraced each other, and this run is something people will talk about for a long time,” he said.
Kicker Lucas Carneiro contributed significantly to the Rebels’ scoreline, hitting field goals of 21, 51, 54, and 58 yards — the last of which bounced off the upright before going in. His performance helped keep Ole Miss in contention despite offensive inconsistency.
The Hurricanes now return to Miami to prepare for the national championship game, which will be played at their home stadium, Hard Rock Stadium, on January 19. They will face either top-ranked Indiana or No. 5 Oregon, who meet in the other CFP semifinal.
Head coach Mario Cristobal, in his fourth season leading his alma mater, credited the team’s resilience and Beck’s leadership. “He’s hungry, he’s driven, and all he cares about is helping this team succeed,” Cristobal said. “That’s what we saw tonight.”
With a 13-2 record, a revitalized defense, and a quarterback with championship experience, Miami stands just one win away from a return to the college football summit.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.