Miami Tops Mississippi in Nail-Biting Game to Advance to College Football Playoff Championship
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Carson Beck provided a thrilling finish for Miami with a three-yard touchdown scramble with just 18 seconds left on the clock, leading the Hurricanes to a 31-27 victory over Mississippi in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday night. This win secures Miami a return to their home field at Hard Rock Stadium for a shot at their first national championship since 2001.
The Hurricanes (13-2), who entered the game ranked 10th, faced a fierce challenge from the sixth-ranked Rebels (13-2), particularly in a dramatic fourth quarter where Miami fell behind 27-24 after a 24-yard touchdown pass from Trinidad Chambliss to Dae’Quan Wright with 3:13 remaining.
Beck, a seasoned competitor who previously won a national title as a backup at Georgia, spearheaded Miami’s final drive, demonstrating poise under pressure. His record as a starter now stands at 37-5, including two seasons at Georgia.
Despite the recent departure of head coach Lane Kiffin to LSU, Mississippi displayed remarkable resilience throughout the season, reaching this semifinal after an impressive campaign that included a strong showing against Georgia in the CFP quarterfinals.
The Rebels initially took a 19-17 lead following Lucas Carneiro’s fourth field goal, but Miami responded with a 36-yard touchdown by Malachi Toney, a key player in their opening playoff win against Texas A&M. Chambliss reclaimed the lead for Ole Miss with his touchdown pass, but their defense ultimately fell short against a determined Miami offense.
Miami’s success in the Fiesta Bowl harkens back to their storied 2001 national championship team, driven by a transformed defense under coordinator Corey Hetherman. The Hurricanes dominated early in the game, limiting Mississippi to minus-one yard before a pivotal 73-yard touchdown run by Kewan Lacy sparked their opponent’s offense.
While Miami’s offensive approach focused on steady progress, they broke through with a 52-yard touchdown pass from Beck to Keelan Marion just before halftime, setting the stage for an exhilarating second half.
As Miami prepares for its upcoming championship opportunity, the implications of this victory extend beyond mere statistics. The program’s revival raises expectations and rekindles the passionate fan base that propelled them to past glories.
