This year’s College Football Playoff (CFP) is shaping up to be one for the ages. No. 6 Ole Miss and No. 10 Miami are set to clash in the Fiesta Bowl.
With a spot in the national title game up for grabs, both teams are hungry to make history. Miami is back on the national stage for the first time in over twenty years, while Ole Miss is closer than ever to a championship game.
The stakes? Couldn’t be higher. These storied programs are fighting for a shot at college football glory, and honestly, who wouldn’t want to watch?
Game Overview
Circle Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET on your calendar. The Fiesta Bowl is happening at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
You can catch the game on ESPN or stream it on Fubo. This is only the fourth time Miami and Ole Miss have met, with their last encounter way back in 1951—Miami took that one 20-7.
Miami squeaked in as the last at-large team in the new 12-team field. They knocked off No. 7 Texas A&M and then stunned reigning champs No. 2 Ohio State to get here.
Ole Miss has leaned into the underdog role under new coach Pete Golding, after Lane Kiffin left for LSU. This team wasn’t supposed to be here, but here they are.
Miami’s Road to the Semifinals
Defensive Prowess and Offensive Resurgence
Miami’s run to the Fiesta Bowl has been wild. They’ve leaned on a tough defense and a run game that’s found new life.
Players have stepped up when it mattered. Suddenly, Miami looks like a team nobody wants to face.
- Mark Fletcher Jr., RB: Fletcher’s been Miami’s offensive spark. Against Texas A&M, he ran for 172 yards on 17 carries, then followed with 90 yards and a receiving touchdown against Ohio State.
- Malachi Toney, WR: Toney, just a freshman, has been electric. He broke the single-season school record with 94 catches and 1,008 yards, plus he’s racked up 271 punt return yards.
- Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE: Bain’s a problem for offenses. He had three sacks and four tackles for loss against Texas A&M, then notched another sack facing Ohio State. Scouts are already eyeing him for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Ole Miss’ Path to the Fiesta Bowl
Overcoming Adversity
Ole Miss lost Lane Kiffin to LSU right before the playoffs. Didn’t matter—they rallied behind Pete Golding and kept rolling.
They’ve embraced being the underdog, and it’s working. A few names have really driven this run.
- Trinidad Chambliss, QB: Chambliss has been a revelation. He’s thrown for 3,660 yards and 21 touchdowns, plus rushed for 520 yards and eight more scores. His 362-yard game in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia? Unreal.
- Kewan Lacy, RB: Lacy’s broken out in a big way, piling up 1,464 yards and 23 touchdowns. He’s averaging nearly six yards a carry and was key in wins over Georgia and Tulane.
- Suntarine Perkins, LB: Perkins does it all on defense. Eleven tackles for loss, three sacks, five pass breakups—he’s everywhere for Ole Miss.
Key Matchups to Watch
Miami’s Defense vs. Ole Miss’ Offense
This one’s fascinating. Miami’s defense has been lights out, but Ole Miss can score in bunches.
Can Miami contain Chambliss, who’s dangerous with both his arm and legs? And what about Lacy—can they slow him down?
Ole Miss’ Defense vs. Miami’s Offense
Flip it around, and Ole Miss has to deal with Miami’s playmakers. Fletcher and Toney have been game-changers.
Perkins will need to be everywhere for Ole Miss if they’re going to keep Miami in check. That’s a tall order, but he’s been up to the task so far.
Predictions and Final Thoughts
This game could turn into a gritty, low-scoring fight. Miami’s defense is tough, while Ole Miss brings a lot of offensive energy.
Honestly, it wouldn’t shock me if neither team cracks 30 points. Both defenses know how to step up when it matters most.
If you want more analysis or live updates, here’s the full story from CBS Sports. It feels like one of those matchups you just can’t skip—Miami and Ole Miss both gunning for that College Football Playoff National Championship spot.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just tuning in for the fun, the Fiesta Bowl should have its share of wild moments. Catch it on Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET to see who keeps their title hopes alive—should be a good one.
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