Ole Miss vs Miami: Key Strategies for Rebels’ Fiesta Bowl Victory
As the college football season hits its peak, all eyes are on the Fiesta Bowl. The No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels are set to battle the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes.
This College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal is set for January 8 at 6:30 p.m. CT on ESPN. The winner moves on to the national championship game.
Both teams have impressive records—Ole Miss at 13-1, Miami at 12-2. The winner will face either Indiana or Oregon in Miami on January 19.
So, who’s got the edge? Let’s look at the players and factors that might tip the scales.
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Key Players to Watch
Several players could shape this matchup in ways we can’t quite predict. For Ole Miss, wide receiver Trey Wallace and running back Kewan Lacy are the names to know.
Trey Wallace: The Offensive Catalyst
When Ole Miss is rolling, Trey Wallace is usually right in the thick of it. He had a season-high nine catches for 156 yards against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, which says a lot about his knack for big moments.
Last year, he played in the Fiesta Bowl with Penn State but didn’t have a catch. This time, he’ll want to make a real impact as a Rebel.
Wallace’s ability to get open and haul in tough passes could be the difference between moving the chains and stalling out.
Kewan Lacy: The Ground Game Specialist
Kewan Lacy is a huge piece of the Ole Miss puzzle. As a Doak Walker Award finalist, he’s piled up 1,464 rushing yards—third best in the country.
He ran for 98 yards and two touchdowns against Georgia. If he can get going early, it’ll open things up for quarterback Chambliss to attack Miami’s defense through the air.
Ole Miss’ Path to Victory
If Ole Miss wants to win, they’ll need a balanced offense and a defense that shows up in the big moments. Here’s what could get them there:
- Balanced Offense: Both the passing and running games have to click. Chambliss needs to be sharp, and Lacy’s got to keep the chains moving.
- Special Teams: Kicker Lucas Carneiro’s long-range accuracy is a real asset. His three kicks of 45-plus yards against Georgia—including a 47-yarder to win it—were huge.
- Defensive Turnovers: The defense has to create turnovers. Getting Miami off their rhythm could swing momentum fast.
Lucas Carneiro: The X-Factor
Lucas Carneiro has quietly become a clutch performer for Ole Miss. His knack for drilling long field goals might just decide a game this close.
He nailed two 50-plus yarders in the Sugar Bowl, then hit the 47-yard game-winner. With Miami’s defense being so tough, every scoring chance matters.
Challenges Posed by Miami
Miami’s defense is no joke. The Hurricanes lead the nation with 46 sacks and rank fifth against the run, allowing only 84 yards per game.
Ole Miss will have to find a way around these numbers if they want to move on.
Relentless Pass Rush
Miami’s pass rush is relentless and a big reason they’ve knocked off teams like Texas A&M and Ohio State. Chambliss has to get the ball out quickly and avoid taking unnecessary hits.
His scrambling ability, which we saw in the Sugar Bowl, could come in handy here.
Stout Rush Defense
Running against Miami? Easier said than done. The Hurricanes give up just 84 rushing yards per game, so Lacy’s going to need something special to break through.
If he can, it should open up the passing game for Chambliss.
Malachi Toney: The Offensive Threat
On offense, Miami’s wide receiver Malachi Toney is a real game-breaker. With 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns, he can flip the script in a heartbeat.
He’s been quiet in the playoffs so far—just 38 yards in two games—but that could change fast. Ole Miss will have to keep a close eye on him all night.
Conclusion
The Fiesta Bowl between Ole Miss and Miami is shaping up to be a real showdown. There’s a lot on the line, and honestly, it’s tough to predict how this one will shake out.
Both teams have their quirks. Ole Miss leans on Trey Wallace’s knack for clutch catches and Kewan Lacy’s running, plus Lucas Carneiro’s reliable foot. But, let’s be real, Miami’s defense isn’t going to make it easy for them.
That Miami pass rush? It’s no joke. Ole Miss will have to find a way around it if they want a shot at the national championship.
January 8 can’t come soon enough. Fans are buzzing, and analysts are tossing out their takes left and right.
If you’re hungry for more predictions and deeper dives, check out the full article on the Clarion Ledger.
