(BCSNN) - Miami didn’t just win a football game. The Hurricanes delivered a moment - a drive - that will live forever in program lore. In a desert that has so often been unkind to them, the Canes authored a 15‑play masterpiece to stun No. 6 Ole Miss 31–27 in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
And now?
They’re heading home to Hard Rock Stadium to play for a sixth national championship.
No. 10 Miami (13–2) survived four lead changes in the final seven minutes, a furious Ole Miss rally, and a wave of momentum swings before quarterback Carson Beck took control of the night - and the season - with a touchdown drive for the ages. His three‑yard scoring run with 18 seconds left sent the Hurricanes into the CFP National Championship and sent the Miami sideline into bedlam.
It was the Canes’ first Fiesta Bowl win in program history, and it came in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.
A Drive That Defines a Season
Trailing 27–24 with just over three minutes remaining, Miami needed perfection. Beck delivered it.
He converted third downs. He found Keelan Marion twice in traffic. He used his legs. He kept his poise. And when the left side of the field opened, he sprinted into the end zone to cap a 75‑yard march that will be replayed endlessly in Coral Gables.
Beck finished 23 of 37 for 268 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, earning Fiesta Bowl Offensive MVP honors.
Fletcher, Toney, Marion - Miami’s Stars Shine Brightest
Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. continued his postseason dominance, rushing for 133 yards on 22 carries and surpassing 1,000 yards on the season. Marty Brown added 54 yards and a touchdown.
Miami’s receivers were sensational:
- Keelan Marion: 7 catches, 114 yards
- Malachi Toney: 5 catches, 81 yards, another highlight‑reel TD
- Elijah Lofton: clutch third‑down conversion
The Hurricanes ran 88 plays, held the ball for over 41 minutes, and outgained Ole Miss 459–398.
Defense Delivers When It Matters Most
Safety Jakobe Thomas, the Fiesta Bowl Defensive MVP, led Miami with five tackles and two passes defensed. Linebacker Mohamed Toure added four tackles and a sack. The Canes held Ole Miss to 2 of 10 on third down, repeatedly forcing field goals instead of touchdowns.
Ole Miss Fought - Miami Finished
Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw for 277 yards and a touchdown. Running back Kewan Lacy broke loose for a 73‑yard score and finished with 103 yards. Tight end Dae’Quan Wright caught three passes for 64 yards and a touchdown.
But when the game tightened, Miami’s defense stiffened - and Beck took over.
A Desert Exorcism - and a Ticket Home
Miami had never won a Fiesta Bowl. They had never won a CFP semifinal. They had never authored a drive quite like this one.
Now the Hurricanes are one win away from a national title - and they’ll get their shot in Miami, at Hard Rock Stadium, on January 19.
The Canes are back on the biggest stage in college football. And they earned it in unforgettable fashion.
