In an electrifying College Football Playoff semi-final on Thursday night, Miami defeated Mississippi 31-27, thanks to a late surge from quarterback Carson Beck. With only 18 seconds remaining, Beck scrambled for a three-yard touchdown, sending the Hurricanes to the national championship game for the first time since 2001.
Miami’s Road to the Championship
Ranked 10th, the Miami Hurricanes concluded their season with a 13-2 record. They did not participate in the Atlantic Coast Conference title game. Despite some controversy over their selection, Miami’s performance has solidified their position among the elite teams.
Key Players and Performances
- Carson Beck: Completed 268 passing yards, threw two touchdowns, and recorded one interception.
- Malachi Toney: Scored a 36-yard touchdown following a screen pass, raising Miami’s score to 24-19.
- Trinidad Chambliss: Quarterback for Ole Miss, led a touchdown drive in the final minutes of the game.
Beck, a former national champion with Georgia, demonstrated strong leadership throughout the game. He improved his starting record to 37-5, including his time with the Bulldogs. Coach Mario Cristobal praised Beck’s determination and ability to inspire his teammates.
The Final Moments
After trailing in the fourth quarter, Ole Miss rallied with Chambliss connecting with Dae’Quan Wright for a 24-yard touchdown. However, Miami responded decisively. Chambliss attempted a final pass to the end zone, but it fell incomplete as the game ended.
Ole Miss’ Remarkable Season
Despite the challenges, Ole Miss, led by interim head coach Pete Golding, had a historic season. The Rebels secured significant victories, including defeating Georgia. They finished their season as one of the top teams in the nation, further highlighting their resilience.
Miami’s Defense Shines
- Miami’s defense has dramatically improved this season, holding opponents to a combined 17 points before the semi-finals.
- In the Fiesta Bowl, Miami restricted Ole Miss to minus-1 yard in the first quarter.
- Notable moment: Kewan Lacy’s 73-yard touchdown run marked the longest allowed by Miami’s defense since 2018.
With their strong defensive play and key offensive contributions, the Hurricanes have rekindled memories of their past glory. Miami will now prepare to compete for the national championship title on January 19, facing either the top-ranked Indiana or No. 5 Oregon.
