Ole Miss vs Miami Football Series History and Fiesta Bowl Preview
As the college football season nears its end, fans everywhere are buzzing about the Fiesta Bowl. No. 6 Ole Miss is set to face No. 10 Miami in a College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal.
This high-stakes matchup is scheduled for January 8 at 6:30 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN. The winner moves on to the national championship game to take on either Indiana or Oregon.
Both teams have strong records and plenty of history. It’s shaping up to be a game you won’t want to miss.
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Historical Context: Ole Miss vs. Miami
Ole Miss and Miami haven’t met often—just three times, actually. Ole Miss leads the series 2-1.
The Rebels took the first two games, way back in 1936 and 1940. In 1936, Ole Miss handed Miami its first loss of the season with a 14-0 shutout.
Four years later, Ole Miss pulled off a 21-7 win. Two fourth-quarter touchdowns sealed it, including a 34-yard pass and a 45-yard punt return by Junie Hovius.
1951: Miami’s Sole Victory
The last meeting came in 1951, with Miami coming out on top, 20-7. Jim Dooley pretty much did it all—intercepted a pass, recovered a fumble, and caught a 17-yard touchdown.
Miami’s defense really showed up, too. They picked off three of Ole Miss’ ten passes and broke up the rest. That remains Miami’s only win against the Rebels to date.
The Road to the Fiesta Bowl
Both teams have had standout seasons heading into this CFP semifinal. Ole Miss comes in at 13-1, while Miami sits at 12-2.
The Rebels, with new coach Pete Golding and quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, have put up big offensive numbers. Miami, meanwhile, has leaned on a defense that led the ACC in pretty much every major category—scoring, total yards allowed, rushing defense, and sacks.
Key Players to Watch
For Ole Miss, all eyes will be on Trinidad Chambliss. He’s been the engine behind their offense, especially against tough defenses.
On the Miami side, quarterback Carson Beck—working with coach Mario Cristobal—will try to crack the Ole Miss defense and push his team forward.
Game Day Details
The Fiesta Bowl will be played at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. CT, live on ESPN.
If you can’t get to a TV, streaming options are available, so you’ve got no excuse to miss it.
What’s at Stake
The winner heads to the national championship on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. There, they’ll face whoever comes out on top in the Peach Bowl—either No. 1 Indiana or No. 5 Oregon.
It’s not just about this game. Both teams have their eyes on that national title, and you can feel the tension rising.
Ole Miss’ Offensive Prowess
Ole Miss has turned heads with their explosive offense this season. Even against some of college football’s toughest defenses, including a big win over Oklahoma, the Rebels kept finding ways to score.
That ability to adapt and keep moving the ball will be tested again against Miami’s defense. Can they keep it up one more time?
Miami’s Defensive Strength
Miami’s defense has been relentless, leading the ACC in several important stats. Their knack for shutting down opponents and forcing turnovers could make all the difference.
The real showdown will be Ole Miss’ offense against Miami’s defense. That’s where this game might be won or lost.
Fan Anticipation and Predictions
With the game just around the corner, the hype is real. Fans and analysts are split, expecting a tight contest given the strengths on both sides.
The history, the stakes, the matchups—it all adds up to a game that feels bigger than most. There’s a lot of talk and a lot of nerves, honestly.
Potential Impact on Recruitment and Future Seasons
Winning the Fiesta Bowl could mean a lot more than just a spot in the championship. It’s a boost for recruiting and sets the tone for next season.
Both programs know what’s on the line. A CFP semifinal win can change a lot, and that’s not lost on anyone involved.
Final Thoughts
The Fiesta Bowl matchup between Ole Miss and Miami isn’t just another game. It’s got history, drama, and a whole lot of hype riding on it.
Both teams are gearing up for a showdown that could be talked about for years. If you’re a fan of college football, this one’s hard to ignore.
The game kicks off January 8 at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN. You can also catch it online if you’d rather stream and snack from the couch.
Curious about the backstory or want more details? The Clarion Ledger has you covered.
