Miami Hurricanes vs Ole Miss: Fiesta Bowl Date, Schedule, and Predictions
The Miami Hurricanes are on the cusp of a historic season. Their next challenge? A monumental Fiesta Bowl clash against the Ole Miss Rebels.
With a win, Miami could snag a spot in the national championship game, which would be held in their home stadium. This College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal promises to be a wild one, with a high-powered Ole Miss offense facing off against a tough Miami defense.
The game will air on ESPN, and there are plenty of streaming options for fans. Here’s a look at what to expect in this much-hyped matchup.
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Miami’s Road to the Fiesta Bowl
The Hurricanes have had a wild ride to the Fiesta Bowl. Their path included a nail-biting win over Texas A&M in the first round of the CFP.
Malachi Toney nearly fumbled away their hopes but came through with the winning touchdown. Miami then shocked Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, showing off their grit and determination.
Key Players to Watch
Miami’s run has been fueled by some standout players:
- Malachi Toney: The hero of the Texas A&M game, Toney has delivered in big moments all season.
- Carson Beck: Calm under pressure, Beck played a key role in the upset over Ohio State.
- Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor: These two have racked up 7½ sacks during the CFP, making Miami’s defensive front a real headache for opponents.
Ole Miss’ Impressive Season
Ole Miss has had a season to remember, capped off by a dramatic Sugar Bowl win over Georgia. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw for a season-high 362 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdowns.
Even with uncertainty swirling around their coaching staff, Ole Miss has managed to stay focused and put together some incredible performances.
Offensive Powerhouse
The Rebels come in with the nation’s second-ranked offense. That’s not something you see every year.
- Trinidad Chambliss: He’s been electric, especially when the pressure’s on.
- Kewan Lacy: Despite a nagging shoulder injury, Lacy ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns in the Sugar Bowl.
- Five 500-yard receivers: Ole Miss has a deep, talented receiving corps that could really test Miami’s defense.
Game Details and Broadcast Information
The Fiesta Bowl between Miami and Ole Miss kicks off January 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game’s at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.
Fans can tune in on ESPN, with Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, Holly Rowe, and Laura Rutledge calling the action.
Alternate Broadcasts and Streaming Options
There are a bunch of alternate ways to watch:
- Field Pass with “The Pat McAfee Show”: On ESPN2, for a different vibe.
- “ACC Huddle”: On the ACC Network, for more analysis and commentary.
- SkyCast: On ESPNU, giving you a bird’s-eye view.
- Command Center: On ESPNews, with multi-angle coverage and stats.
If you’re streaming, the game’s on the ESPN app (subscription required). Fubo also carries ESPN and has a free trial for new folks.
Injuries and Challenges
Injuries could play a big role here. Miami’s top cornerbacks, O.J. Frederique and Damari Brown, are banged up—never great when you’re facing a passing attack like Ole Miss.
On the other side, Ole Miss’ star running back Kewan Lacy is still dealing with his shoulder injury, which might slow him down.
Defensive Battle
This one’s shaping up as a battle between an explosive offense and a brick-wall defense. Ole Miss brings a high-octane attack, while Miami boasts the country’s fourth-ranked scoring defense.
The Hurricanes’ defensive front, led by Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, has been a nightmare for opponents. But bringing down Trinidad Chambliss? Not so easy—Georgia couldn’t sack him in two games this season.
What’s at Stake?
The stakes are sky-high for both teams. A win in the Fiesta Bowl means a shot at the national championship and a ton of pride for the program.
For Miami, the idea of playing for a title in their home stadium is a huge motivator. You can almost feel the tension building already.
Upcoming Schedule
The winner here will face the winner of the Peach Bowl, which is No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 1 Indiana. The national championship game is set for January 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET and will air on ESPN.
You can also stream the title game on the ESPN app or Fubo, if that’s your thing.
Get Your Tickets
Fans who want to catch this epic showdown in person can grab Fiesta Bowl tickets through StubHub.
Seriously, don’t miss out—this could end up being one of the most exciting games of the season.
Curious about the Miami vs. Ole Miss Fiesta Bowl matchup? You can check out more details at the Palm Beach Post.
