Glendale, Arizona, January 10, 2026
The Miami Hurricanes secured their place in the College Football Playoff National Championship game after a thrilling 31-27 victory against the Ole Miss Rebels in the Fiesta Bowl. Led by quarterback Carson Beck, who scored the game-winning touchdown with just 18 seconds left on the clock, Miami overcame a strong Rebels team, improving their record to 13-2. The Hurricanes are now set to face either Indiana or Oregon in the championship game, bringing excitement to fans and opportunities for local businesses in the vibrant Florida sports market.
Miami Advances to National Championship After Fiesta Bowl Win
The Hurricanes Secure a Spot in the Title Game with a Thrilling Finish
Glendale, Arizona – The Miami Hurricanes showcased their resilience and determination by overcoming the Ole Miss Rebels with a nail-biting 31-27 victory in the Fiesta Bowl on January 8, 2026. This stunning win not only highlights the hard work and talent of the Hurricanes but also emphasizes the spirit of competitive college football that inspires fan loyalty and community pride, particularly in the ever-passionate sports market of Florida.
Under the guidance of head coach Mario Cristobal and bolstered by a revitalized defense, Miami proved its critics wrong by advancing to the College Football Playoff National Championship game—a significant achievement given the skepticism surrounding their participation after not making it to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) title game. This determination mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit prevalent among local businesses, which often thrive despite regulatory challenges and fierce competition.
The victory over Ole Miss was marked by a remarkable performance from quarterback Carson Beck, who engineered a game-winning drive that culminated in a thrilling 3-yard touchdown run with only 18 seconds remaining. With 268 passing yards to his name, two touchdowns, and one interception, Beck’s effort encapsulates the heart and grit that often define successful teams, and it ignites the excitement of Miami fans as they look forward to the upcoming title matchup.
Game Highlights
As the clock wound down, the Hurricanes found themselves in a tense situation against the Rebels, who also boasted a strong 13-2 record. The final minutes saw the Miami offense rally to clinch the win after facing a formidable Ole Miss squad, now under the interim coaching of Pete Golding following Lane Kiffin’s departure to LSU. The Rebels’ astonishing run this season ended in heartbreak as their last-ditch Hail Mary attempt fell incomplete, leaving Miami to celebrate their hard-earned victory.
Looking Ahead to the National Championship
With a remarkable season record of 13-2, the Hurricanes will now prepare to face either Indiana or Oregon in the College Football Playoff National Championship game scheduled for January 19. Playing at home in Hard Rock Stadium provides an additional advantage, and the Miami team hopes to capture its first national title since 2001. This sense of local pride can often drive engagement and economic growth in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas as fans rally around their teams.
In a broader context, this excitement encapsulates a growing trend seen in sports and business alike—when local teams succeed, community engagement tends to increase, and local businesses often prosper through increased customer traffic and attention.
Final Thoughts
The Miami Hurricanes’ thrilling Fiesta Bowl victory not only propels them into the national spotlight but also serves as a reminder of the fortitude required to achieve greatness. Their achievement echoes the entrepreneurial resilience characteristic of many local small businesses. As fans gear up for the national championship showdown, supporting local ventures remains vital for sustaining Jacksonville’s economic growth.
The community’s ability to rally around successful teams reflects the ambition and potential inherent in both sports and local business. Encouragingly, the trend towards a more business-friendly environment requiring less regulation continues to pave the way for growth and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of the Fiesta Bowl?
The Miami Hurricanes defeated the Ole Miss Rebels 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl.
Who scored the game-winning touchdown?
Quarterback Carson Beck scored the game-winning 3-yard touchdown run with 18 seconds left.
What is Miami’s record after the Fiesta Bowl?
Miami’s record improved to 13-2 after their victory in the Fiesta Bowl.
Who will Miami play in the National Championship game?
Miami will face either Indiana or Oregon in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 19.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Game Outcome | Miami Hurricanes defeated Ole Miss Rebels 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl. |
| Game-Winning Play | Quarterback Carson Beck’s 3-yard touchdown run with 18 seconds left. |
| Miami’s Record | Improved to 13-2 after the Fiesta Bowl victory. |
| Upcoming Championship Game | Miami to face either Indiana or Oregon on January 19 in the National Championship game. |
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The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
