The Miami Hurricanes are headed to the National Championship after defeating the Ole Miss Rebels 31-27 in Thursday’s Fiesta Bowl.
The Hurricanes dominated the time of possession early, keeping the Ole Miss offense off of the field, but struggling to score early before sending in a field goal to take a 3-0 lead to end the first frame.
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As the second quarter began however, Ole Miss responded with a stunning 73-yard touchdown run by runningback Kewan Lacy, taking a 7-3 advantage.
After a slow and methodical drive, the Hurricanes answered with a touchdown of their own thanks to a four-yard rush from runningback Charmar Brown.
After the Rebels’ passing game put them in field goal range, Ole Miss tied it once again at 10-10.
That’s when Miami’s elite offense was put on display, cashing in a 52-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Keelan Marion. Ole Miss couldn’t score another touchdown before halftime, but sent in another field goal to cut the lead to four.
Both squads put together solid drives in the third quarter, but couldn’t capitalize. The quarter would have been scoreless had Rebels kicker Lucas Carneiro not made a 51-yard field goal near the end of the third.
After playing strong defense to open the fourth quarter, the Rebels got their first redzone snap of the night with over eight minutes left in regulation.
Despite being less then ten yards from conceding a touchdown, the Hurricanes’ defense held strong at the goal line and forced the Rebels into another field goal.
On the following drive, Miami needed just four plays to score. Wide receiver Malachi Toney secured a screen pass before exploding for an elusive 36-yard touchdown to give the Hurricanes a 24-19 lead with five minutes to play.
With the season on the line, Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss took control.
After making several key plays to reach the redzone, Chambliss connected with wide receiver Dae’Quan Wright in the endzone to take the lead. They succeeded on a two-point conversion attempt to extend the lead to 27-23 with less than three minutes to go.
But Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck responded with a tremendous drive of his own in clutch time. With less than 30 seconds to play, Beck broke out for a 3-yard rushing touchdown to take a 31-27 lead and seal the victory.
Beck finished with 268 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and one interception to go along with his game-winning rushing score.
Chambliss left it all on the field with 277 passing yards and one passing touchdown.
The Hurricanes have now punched their ticket to the National Championship, where they’ll face the winner of Friday’s matchup between Indiana and Oregon.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
