The college football playoff semifinals are set and the first to be played is the 2026 Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. The 10th ranked Miami Hurricanes will take on the 6th ranked Ole Miss Rebels. The Miami Hurricanes almost didn’t make it to the big dance. After they did, the Hurricanes went to Texas A&M and shut down the Aggies in a 10-7 win. Ole Miss hosted their first-round game against 11th ranked Tulane. It was rematch from earlier in the season and the Rebels blew out the Green Wave again. In the Cotton Bowl, Miami used their stout defense to take down the defending champion Buckeyes 24-14. Ole Miss avenges their only loss of the season by beating Georgia 39-34 in a Sugar Bowl thriller. Ole Miss brings their high-powered offense to Arizona against the physical defense of the Canes. Who will advance to the title game on January 19th?
Will Miami Advance to the National Title Game?
Miami was one of the best teams in the country the first month of the season. The defense consists of a pair of future first-round picks in Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. The Hurricanes defense is one of the best in the country. They controlled the line of scrimmage and pressured Julian Sayin the entire game. Trinidad Chambliss isn’t Sayin and his mobility is what separates him from the Ohio State quarterback. On the offensive side, the Hurricanes can control the line and Mark Fletcher Jr. is a bruiser that can wear down opposing defenses. Malachi Toney is the freshman speedster who can change the game on offense or special teams. Carson Beck is the key to this game, and he will do more than manage the game. Can Beck avoid the pressure from the Rebels defense and not turn the ball over?
Will Ole Miss Advance to the National Title Game?
Ole Miss blew out the Tulane Green Wave in the first round of the playoffs. The Rebels avenged their only loss by beating Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Trinidad Chambliss is playing as well as any other quarterback in the country. Kewan Lacy rushed for almost 100 yards and 2 TDs in the win over Georgia. The defense faces a different challenge than they did against Gunner Stockton. Carson Beck is a more accurate passer, but Stockton can beat you with his legs. Ole Miss runs a fast-paced offense, and it could wear down the Canes defense. The Rebels have gone through a lot at the end of the season. Lane Kiffin leaving the program to join LSU may have lit more fire under this Rebels team. Will the Ole Miss Rebels have a shot to play for their first national championship since 1962?
Who Will Advance to the National Championship Game?
As mentioned, the Miami Hurricanes were arguably the best football team after the first month. They lost a pair of games but have since regained that dominance. It’s hard for anyone to slow down a great edge rusher, but Miami has two of them. Trinidad Chambliss is a much more agile quarterback, and he’s known for getting the ball out quickly. The Rebels match up well with the Canes on both sides of the ball. This game will come down to Carson Beck and his ability to put up points for Miami. These types of games are why the Hurricanes invested in a quarterback like Beck. Will he deliver and have Miami one step closer to a championship? It feels like this Ole Miss squad is a team of destiny. Trinidad Chambliss is a superstar and believes he’ll lead Ole Miss to the championship game. Rebels Win 30-24
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