The clock finally struck midnight for Ole Miss, as the Rebels allowed 14 points in the fourth quarter and lost 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl.
The Story
The game plan was to do what Ole Miss does best. They wanted to run 80-90 plays on offense, be elite on special teams, and score enough points to not put the outcome entirely on their defense.
That went out the window almost immediately.
After winning the coin toss, the Rebs asked for the ball first. They went three and out, and were playing from behind for most of the night. Miami controlled the line of scrimmage and held onto the ball for most of the game ending with 41:22 in time of possession.
Carson Beck and Trinidad Chambliss were both brilliant all night, combining for 545 yards through the air, and each were especially great in the fourth quarter. It looked like Trinidad Chambliss was once again going to be the hero of OIe Miss’ never ending Cinderella story.
After trailing for the entire game Chambliss led the Rebels to three scores in their final four drives. He had to shoulder the load for the Rebels offense for most of the evening after star RB Kewan Lacy left the game with a hamstring injury. At one point the Rebels had 20 consecutive pass attempts.
In the end, it wasn’t enough. The Ole Miss defense could not get off the field all night, and they couldn’t get a stop when they needed it most in the fourth quarter.
After taking a 19-17 lead with seven minutes left, they gave up two consecutive 75-yard scoring drives ending in Miami touchdowns. The final one coming with just :18 seconds left in the game and putting the nail in Ole Miss’ coffin and incredible story.
Miami will play the winner of Oregon-Indiana in the National Championship at their home stadium on Jan. 19.
The Stats
20 – Ole Miss threw the ball 20 straight plays at one point after Kewan Lacy left the game with a hamstring injury.
11 – Ole Miss had the ball for just a little over 11 minutes through three quarters of play.
4 – Miami had four dropped interceptions in the game.
88 – Miami ran 88 plays on offense.
1-of-6 – After a brilliant first half, Carson Beck started the second half just 1-of-6 for 19 yards before their go-ahead touchdown drive to go up 24-19.
4 – Miami had four different drives of at least 13 plays or more.
8 – That was Carson Beck’s eighth game winning drive in the fourth quarter as a starting quarterback.
The Social Media Reaction
This time, no DPI on Miami to close the Fiesta Bowl. pic.twitter.com/byZL6A9OfK
— Connor O’Gara (@cjogara) January 9, 2026
MIAMI IS HEADED TO THE CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆
Carson Beck and the Canes will be playing for a title at home 🌴 pic.twitter.com/yCaUQAxXpj
— ESPN (@espn) January 9, 2026
Miami’s defense when they have an easy interceptionpic.twitter.com/d2TrURXMVQ
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 9, 2026
Just remember, Notre Dame fans swore they should have been in over Miami
— Cruz Oxenreider (@TheRealCruzOx) January 9, 2026
Just remember, Notre Dame fans swore they should have been in over Miami
— Cruz Oxenreider (@TheRealCruzOx) January 9, 2026
Miami is going to play for a National Championship.
The mighty SEC is eliminated from the College Football Playoff.
The ACC finishes the season 8-6 vs. the SEC in 2025/26.
What a time to be alive. pic.twitter.com/Cdvdh9y8nF
— Cory Smith (@RCorySmith) January 9, 2026
Miami is going to play for a National Championship.
The mighty SEC is eliminated from the College Football Playoff.
The ACC finishes the season 8-6 vs. the SEC in 2025/26.
What a time to be alive. pic.twitter.com/Cdvdh9y8nF
— Cory Smith (@RCorySmith) January 9, 2026
Carson Beck’s resume if Miami wins the National Championship:
• 3 National Titles
• 2 Conference Championships
• Led Miami to its first 13 win season ever
• 39-5 as a starter pic.twitter.com/P1xvXNgyCM— College Football Report (@CFBReport) January 9, 2026
In what world is that not pass interference on Miami Ole Miss was hosed!! #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/3106Rradnb
— Alex Monaco (@Alex__Monaco) January 9, 2026
I’m really excited for the same crowd who said Miami didn’t deserve to be in the playoff turn into the SEC sucks for not making the title game for the 3rd straight year crowd when this game ends
— Chris Marler (@Vern_Funquist) January 9, 2026
