Miami rides dominant offensive line past Ole Miss to reach national title game
Miami earned a hard-fought 31-27 Fiesta Bowl win over Ole Miss by leaning on its powerful offensive line late in the game. A long fourth-quarter drive ended with Carson Beck’s go-ahead touchdown, sealing the victory. The Hurricanes controlled possession and the run game all night. The win sends Miami to its first national championship game since 2001.
Miami powered its way into the national title game with a tough 31-27 win over Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl, leaning on a dominant offensive line when it mattered most. Down late in the fourth quarter, the Hurricanes put together a long, physical drive that ended with quarterback Carson Beck walking into the end zone on a short touchdown run.
Head coach Mario Cristobal, a former Miami lineman himself, pulled his offensive line together before that final drive and made it clear the game was in their hands. Right tackle Francis Mauigoa said the confidence from the coach set the tone. “He believed in us,” Mauigoa said.“We were in the middle of the field and he’s saying, ‘We’re going to score this. Defense get ready.’”
Miami controlled the trenches most of the night. The Hurricanes ran for 191 yards, piled up 459 total yards of offense, and held the ball for more than 41 minutes. Mark Fletcher led the ground attack with 133 rushing yards, as the line consistently opened lanes and wore down the Ole Miss defense.
Ole Miss did fight back. The Rebels sacked Beck four times and briefly took a late lead, putting pressure on Miami to respond. But when the game was on the line, the Hurricanes’ offensive line delivered its best stretch, keeping Beck clean and pushing the defense backward.
Beck finished with 268 passing yards and two touchdowns and said the moment was exactly what the team prepares for. “You play this game for moments like these, you live for moments like these.” he said.
After the game, Cristobal handed the game ball to his offensive line, a group that reflects his old-school belief in winning up front. That mindset has now carried Miami one step away from history.
The Hurricanes will play for their first national championship since 2001 on Jan. 19 in Miami Gardens, facing either Indiana or Oregon, with a title finally within reach after 25 years.