Phoenix, AZ—-Miami set the tone early in a game dominated by defense, striking first with a field goal in the opening quarter as both teams struggled to establish an offensive rhythm. The Hurricanes carried a 3–0 advantage after the first period, with yardage and scoring hard to come by on either side.
Ole Miss answered early in the second quarter behind a spark from running back Kewan Lacy, who ripped off a 70-plus-yard touchdown run to give the Rebels a 7–3 lead. Miami quickly responded, stringing together back-to-back touchdown drives to regain control and build a double-digit advantage. The Rebels steadied themselves before halftime, knocking through two field goals to cut the deficit to 17–13 heading into the locker room.
The third quarter mirrored the defensive intensity of the opening period. Miami moved the ball into Ole Miss territory on its opening possession but came up empty after missing a 51-yard field-goal attempt. Ole Miss eased Lacy back into action following a brief injury scare, yet neither offense could capitalize as both defenses dictated play and kept the scoreboard unchanged.
Momentum swung late in the fourth quarter when Ole Miss finally broke through. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss connected with Dae’Quan Wright on a 24-yard touchdown pass, then found Caleb Odom on a two-point conversion to cap a six-play, 75-yard drive and put the Rebels ahead 27–24 with 1:51 remaining.
Miami answered with poise. Quarterback Beck orchestrated a 15-play, 75-yard drive, finishing it himself with a quarterback keeper to reclaim the lead, 31–27.
Ole Miss had one last chance, advancing into Miami territory in the closing seconds. However, Chambliss’ final throw into the end zone was broken up as time expired, sealing the Hurricanes’ victory.
Beck completed 23 of 37 passes for 268 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while also scoring the game-winning rushing touchdown. Chambliss matched Beck’s completions, going 23 of 37 for 277 yards and one touchdown for the Rebels.
Miami finished with 459 total yards compared to Ole Miss’ 398 and dominated time of possession, holding the ball for 41:22.
With the win, the Hurricanes advance to the College Football Playoff championship game, where they will face the winner of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl between Oregon and Indiana on Jan. 19 in Miami.
