Carson Beck, Miami Clinch CFP Title Game Berth, Hyped By CFB Fans in Fiesta Bowl Win vs. Ole Miss
No. 10 Miami defeated No. 6 Ole Miss by the final score of 31-27 during a thrilling College Football Playoff semifinal clash in the Fiesta Bowl on Thursday night.
With 24 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck scrambled for a three-yard rushing touchdown that put Miami on top.
Beck finished 23-of-37 for 268 yards and two touchdowns compared to one interception, adding his third score on the ground.
Fans and pundits were amazed by the performance of Beck, while the Hurricanes will now compete for a national title.
Thursday's contest started off as a defensive battle, with the Hurricanes taking a 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter following a 38-yard field goal from Carter Davis.
Ole Miss found the end zone first, as Rebels running back Kewan Lacy scored a 73-yard rushing touchdown on the opening play of the second quarter.
The Hurricanes quickly responded with a 75-yard drive that ended with a short rushing touchdown by CharMar Brown.
An Ole Miss field goal tied the game at 10-10, but Miami jumped back in front after Beck connected with Keelan Marion for a 52-yard touchdown.
The Hurricanes ultimately led 17-13 at the half.
Ole Miss' defense stepped up after halftime, holding Miami scoreless in the third quarter. The Hurricanes were in field-goal territory late in the period, but a pass from Beck was tipped in the air and intercepted by Rebels safety Kapena Gushiken.
A pair of field goals allowed Ole Miss to take a 19-17 lead before Miami receiver Malachi Toney caught a short screen pass and evaded multiple defenders for a go-ahead touchdown with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Rebels quarterback Trinidad Chambliss continued his strong playoff run on the next drive, finding Dae'Quan Wright for a 24-yard touchdown.
A successful two-point conversion put Ole Miss up by three points, but Beck's late touchdown was the difference in the contest.
Chambliss finished 23-of-37 for 277 yards and one touchdown.
Meanwhile, Miami's offensive production was impressive. Head coach Mario Cristobal's squad racked up 459 total yards, with 191 coming on the ground.
Mark Fletcher Jr. led the way with 133 rush yards on 22 carries for the Hurricanes, as Brown chipped in with 54 yards and a score.
Marion was Beck's top target in Miami's passing attack, hauling in seven receptions for 114 yards and a score.
The Hurricanes are now in position to compete for their sixth national championship and their first since the 2001 season.
Miami will await the winner of the remaining CFP semifinal matchup between No. 1 Indiana and No. 5 Oregon.
