In the Fiesta Bowl semifinal, No. 10 Miami struck first with a 38-yard field goal against No. 6 Ole Miss, leading 3-0 early in the first quarter. The game in Glendale features both teams vying for a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Injuries to key players like Miami's Ahmad Moten added tension from the opening moments.
The Fiesta Bowl kicked off in Glendale, Arizona, pitting No. 10 Miami against No. 6 Ole Miss, with the winner advancing to the national championship game. Both teams entered as underdogs after upsetting higher seeds in earlier playoff rounds. Ole Miss received the opening kickoff and started on offense at the 15:00 mark of the first quarter, but quickly faced challenges.
At 14:33, Ole Miss reached third-and-4, but Miami's defense disrupted the drive. Tragedy struck early for the Hurricanes when defensive lineman Ahmad Moten Jr. went down injured on the first defensive series, shaking his head in disappointment after working hard to play despite a prior injury from the Cotton Bowl quarterfinal. Moten, part of Miami's strong front, was a significant loss, paving the way for transfer David Blay from Louisiana Tech to see more action.
Ole Miss managed a three-and-out by 13:42, punting after Miami's defense pressured quarterback Trinidad Chambliss into throwing the ball away. Miami took over and built momentum. At 12:28, quarterback Carson Beck connected with Keelan Marion for an 8-yard first down, though a deep pass to Malachi Toney fell incomplete despite the receiver being open.
The drive continued with Beck rushing for 6 yards on third-and-8 at 10:54, setting up a crucial fourth-and-2. Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. powered through for a 3-yard gain, converting the down despite Ole Miss linebacker Andrew Jones suffering an injury on the play. Miami pushed into the red zone, but after a stuffed wildcat run, kicker Carter Davis nailed a 38-yard field goal at 6:22, giving the Hurricanes a 3-0 lead.
Miami coach Mario Cristobal emphasized relentlessness pre-game: “We have to be relentless.” Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding highlighted his team's preparation: “Just how they are wired. Their resiliency, their love for each other, their competitive character. We prepared the right way. Now we just have to execute.”
Notable attendees included Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, spotted with Miami legend Ray Lewis on the sideline. Honorary captains featured Eli Manning and Patrick Willis for Ole Miss, and Edgerrin James and Ray Lewis for Miami, drawing cheers from fans. Miami's strategy focused on long drives to control the clock and rest their defense, which started strong by limiting Ole Miss early.
