Ole Miss and Miami mirror each other throughout Fiesta Bowl, but the Hurricanes get the last laugh
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
GLENDALE — Ole Miss and Miami came into the Fiesta Bowl with different strengths, but as the game went on, both teams mirrored each other throughout.
Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, Ariz., U.S.; Ole Miss Rebels linebacker TJ Dottery (6) celebrates his tackle against the Miami Hurricanes during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 8, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
It wasn’t just the score, but even the plays. With missed field goals off the poles, key rushing touchdowns and catches, the Hurricanes and Rebels were not letting each other run away with the game.
However, Miami was just a tad bit better, winning the Fiesta Bowl and advancing to the College Football National Championship.
But just how close was this matchup?
Miami Hurricanes tight end Elija Lofton (9) picks-up a first down against the Mississippi Rebels in the first half during the Verb Fiesta Bowl and CFP semifinal game at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
For starters, neither team led by more than one possession, with the matchup a one-point game in the fourth quarter.
Both teams had similar passing yardage, 277 yards for Ole Miss and 268 yards for Miami. While the Hurricanes led in total yards, with 459, the Rebels weren’t far behind with 398.
Ole Miss Rebels running back Kewan Lacy (5) scores on a 73-yard touchdown run against the Miami Hurricanes during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium on Jan. 8, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Miami also took rushing yards, 191, while Ole Miss had 121. Miami’s Carson Beck had the only turnover between both teams. However, he made up for it by scoring the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
State Farm Stadium was booming every quarter. Whether it was Kewan Lacy’s 75-yard score or Carson Beck connecting with Keelan Marion for a 52-yard touchdown pass, the atmosphere was electric.
The 55th Fiesta Bowl promised to be historic, and it was just that.
Miami snaps a 0-4 skid in the Fiesta Bowl for its first win, while Ole Miss falls in its debut here in the Valley classic.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos