Jason Berry
Writer
The Fiesta Bowl semifinal sets the stage for a compelling clash as the No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels face the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes with a national championship berth on the line.
Both teams arrive in Arizona after navigating the first two rounds of the playoffs. Ole Miss opened its postseason run with a blowout win over Tulane before following it up by knocking off powerhouse Georgia, proving the Rebels can match physicality with elite competition when it matters most. Miami’s journey was just as impressive, as the Hurricanes eliminated Texas A&M in the first round and then stunned Ohio State in the quarterfinals, showcasing a roster capable of winning in multiple ways against top-tier opponents.
For Ole Miss, the story extends well beyond the X’s and O’s. The Rebels enter the semifinal amid significant upheaval after losing head coach Lane Kiffin prior to the playoff. Further staff departures followed just days before the Fiesta Bowl, creating uncertainty at a moment when stability is often the difference between advancing and falling short. Still, Ole Miss retained key pieces, including offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., providing much-needed continuity for an explosive offense built on tempo and precision.
Miami’s path to the playoffs was anything but smooth. The Hurricanes finished the regular season with two losses and nearly found themselves on the outside looking in. However, a chaotic ACC season and uneven conference scheduling ultimately opened the door, and Miami emerged as the conference’s most deserving representative.
Now, with both programs one win away from the national championship game, the Fiesta Bowl offers more than a semifinal matchup. It’s a collision of resilience, talent, and timing. Where Ole Miss seeks to steady itself amid change, and Miami aims to complete a remarkable run that nearly never began.
The winner will play either the No. 5 Oregon Ducks or the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers.
Tony Thomas
Writer
One of Miami’s own will battle for the national title.
Cody Slovensky
Writer
A windy day in College Station, Texas, made for a challenging game for both teams. Today was the first time that the first half was scoreless since the College Football Playoff began in 2014. The first half was very eventful, but resulted in zero points scored. In the first quarter, Texas A&M outgained Miami 76 […]
TJ Chapman
Editor
When the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes (10-2) face the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies (11-1) Saturday, many believe this game will be a defensive battle from start to finish. That mentality is fueled by the statistics for both teams’ defenses. In scoring defense, Miami gives up 13.83 points per game, good for 6th in the […]
