Carson Beck lifts Miami to CFP title game with late TD run to beat Ole Miss in Fiesta Bowl
Carson Beck's scrambling touchdown with 18 seconds remaining lifted the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes to a 31-27 victory over No. 6 Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl, clinching a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship. The score, Beck's first rushing touchdown since Week 3, culminated a dramatic final drive and moved Miami within one win of its first national title since 2001.
A Clutch Game-Winning Drive
The winning play capped a critical 15-play, 75-yard drive that consumed nearly three minutes. It was a direct response to Ole Miss taking a 27-24 lead just moments earlier on a 24-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Trinidad Chambliss to Dae'Quan Wright. Beck, not known for his mobility, found the end zone to put Miami ahead for good. Ole Miss's final desperation attempt, a Hail Mary from midfield, fell incomplete.
Miami head coach Mario Cristobal praised his quarterback's character and determination. "That's the perfect example of a guy — he feels supported, he's hungry, he's driven... all he wants to do is he wants to see his teammates have success," Cristobal told ESPN after the game.
Miami's Improbable Playoff Run
The Hurricanes entered the playoff as the controversial final at-large selection, having jumped Notre Dame in the final committee rankings long after both teams' regular seasons had ended. Miami has silenced doubters with a remarkable three-game postseason run, including a defensive 10-3 win over Texas A&M and a 24-14 upset of defending champion Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.
Beck's Redemptive Season
Beck transferred to Miami after the 2024 season, following a two-year stint as Georgia's starter. His final season with the Bulldogs was marred by a dip in production and a throwing elbow injury that ended his year during the SEC title game. Despite being unable to throw during spring practice, Miami invested in him with a significant NIL deal to replace departed star Cam Ward. While his stats haven't matched Ward's, Beck has delivered the ultimate result: a championship game appearance.
Ole Miss's Dream Falls Short
The loss ended a magical playoff run for Ole Miss under first-year coach Pete Golding, who had led the Rebels to the brink of their first national title game since 1960. The Rebels' offense was hampered by a right hamstring injury to star running back Kewan Lacy early in the second quarter. While Lacy briefly returned, he was largely ineffective, forcing Ole Miss into a pass-heavy attack. The Rebels were held to just 2-of-10 on third-down conversions, and Miami's 88 offensive plays and over 41 minutes of possession controlled the game's tempo.
Miami now advances to face the winner of the Rose Bowl for the national championship.
