Miami vs. Ole Miss: CFP Semifinal Clash Puts Both Programs One Win From Glory

For the first time in their histories, both Miami and Ole Miss enter the College Football Playoff semifinals on the brink of a national championship appearance. No. 6 Ole Miss (13-1) will face No. 10 Miami (12-2) in the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday night, with the winner advancing to the national title game.

Ole Miss’s journey has been remarkable. Just weeks before earning its first-ever CFP berth, head coach Lane Kiffin departed for LSU. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding stepped in as head coach, steadying the program during its most critical stretch.

The Rebels dominated No. 11 Tulane 41-10 in the first round before surviving a 39-34 thriller against SEC champion Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss led the charge, throwing for 362 yards and two touchdowns in a 473-yard offensive performance.

Miami’s path has been built on defense. The Hurricanes forced five turnovers and allowed just 17 total points across two playoff upsets, knocking off No. 7 Texas A&M and defending champion Ohio State. Against the Buckeyes, Miami sacked Heisman finalist Julian Sayin five times and sealed the game with a 72-yard pick-six.

Now, Miami’s fourth-ranked scoring defense faces one of the nation’s most explosive offenses. Ole Miss ranks second nationally in total yards and 10th in scoring, setting up a classic strength-on-strength showdown.

Adding to the stakes, this year’s national championship game will be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. A Hurricanes victory would mean playing for a title on home turf.

Kickoff is set for Thursday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m. ET from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with coverage on ESPN.