Miami earns their spot in the National Championship game

In an exciting College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl, Miami defeated Mississippi 31-27 with a last-minute scramble by Carson Beck with 18 seconds remaining.

"We never flinched," said Beck, who threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. "When faced with adversity, we rose to the challenge."

After limiting Texas A&M and Ohio State to 17 combined points on their way to the CFP semifinals, Miami's defense held the high-scoring Rebels (13-2) in check for three quarters before a dramatic fourth quarter unfolded.

Malachi Toney, who had shone in Miami's opening CFP win over Texas A&M, turned a screen pass into a 36-yard touchdown to give the Hurricanes a 24-19 lead.

Trinidad Chambliss, who had led Ferris State to a Division II title just a year earlier, sparked a Rebels comeback by connecting with Dae'Quan Wright for a 24-yard touchdown with 3:13 left.

However, it was Beck who had the final word.

Beck methodically guided the Hurricanes down the field for the win and a chance to compete for a title on their home field at Hard Rock Stadium. His calm leadership and precise execution on the final drive highlighted Miami's resilience, securing their place in the championship game and reinforcing their ability to perform under pressure.

Chambliss managed two late completions to move Ole Miss to the Miami 35 with 6 seconds remaining, but his final pass to the end zone fell incomplete as time expired.

In the end, the Rebels couldn't withstand the storm brought by the Hurricanes.