Miami Advances to National Championship After Thriller Against Ole Miss
In an electrifying game at the Fiesta Bowl, the Miami Hurricanes defeated Ole Miss 31-27, securing a spot in the national championship for the first time since 2001. The victory came down to the wire, with Carson Beck scoring a crucial 3-yard touchdown just 18 seconds before the final whistle.
“I never doubted my team,” Beck stated after the game. He threw for 268 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception. Miami started with a rocky first quarter, ending it at just 3-0. However, they rallied, scoring 14 points in the second quarter, including a dazzling 52-yard touchdown pass to Keelan Marion.
Ole Miss, led by Trinidad Chambliss, fought back fiercely. A notable highlight was Kewan Lacy’s explosive 73-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. Despite losing their head coach to LSU just before the playoffs, the Rebels managed to make it this far, showcasing both resilience and talent.
The game was packed with dramatic turnovers. Miami’s defense, which has improved tremendously this season under coordinator Corey Hetherman, managed to hold Ole Miss to only 17 total points in previous playoff games against Texas A&M and Ohio State. They executed a solid defensive strategy, restricting the Rebels to minus-1 yard in the first quarter.
As the game progressed, both teams exchanged scores, culminating in a nail-biting fourth quarter. Miami’s Malachi Toney caught a 36-yard touchdown pass, giving the Hurricanes a crucial 24-19 lead. Despite an admirable effort from Ole Miss, who tied it briefly, Miami’s determination shone through in the final moments.
Miami’s journey has drawn parallels to their legendary 2001 championship team, stirring excitement among fans. With their next challenge set against either top-ranked Indiana or No. 5 Oregon in the title game, the Hurricanes are poised to capture their history-making title.
In 2023, the landscape of college football saw increased competition. A recent survey indicated that over 75% of fans believed the caliber of play has elevated in recent years. With standout players like Beck showcasing skill and determination, this trend may continue to shape the future of the game.
Scoring Summary
- 1st Quarter:
- Miami: Carter Davis 38-yard FG (3-0)
- 2nd Quarter:
- Ole Miss: Kewan Lacy 73-yard rush (3-7)
- Miami: CharMar Brown 4-yard rush (10-7)
- Ole Miss: Lucas Carneiro 42-yard FG (10-10)
- Miami: Keelan Marion 52-yard pass from Beck (17-10)
- Ole Miss: Carneiro 58-yard FG (17-13)
- 3rd Quarter:
- Ole Miss: Carneiro 54-yard FG (17-16)
- 4th Quarter:
- Ole Miss: Lucas Carneiro 21-yard FG (17-19)
- Miami: Toney 36-yard pass from Beck (24-19)
- Ole Miss: Dae’Quan Wright 24-yard pass from Chambliss (24-27)
- Miami: Beck 3-yard rush (31-27)
Attendance and Game Details
- Attendance: 67,928
- Kickoff Time: 5:46 p.m. MT
- End of Game: 9:29 p.m. MT
- Game Duration: 3:43
As the anticipation builds for the national championship, college football fans are eager to see if Miami can reclaim its former glory.
