Ole Miss is one win away from competing for a national championship, but before the team can begin to even think about the opportunity to hoist a celebratory title trophy, a matchup versus a fierce opponent looms.
The No. 6 Rebels (13-1) will take on No. 10 Miami (12-2) in the Fiesta Bowl, which serves as a College Football Playoff semifinal game this season. To date, in its first-ever playoff run, Ole Miss has dominated Tulane 41-10 in the opening round and put together a comeback to take down No. 3 Georgia 39-34 in a Sugar Bowl thriller.
Pete Golding’s Rebels will head into the matchup against Miami with momentum, after landing decorated players for next season’s roster via the transfer portal and securing future commitments from current stars like Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy. But of course, the red and blue will look to make their biggest impact on the field in two days when the ball is spotted.
From players to watch and injury reports to start time and how to tune in live, here’s what to know ahead of the Fiesta Bowl.
Players to watch
An unstoppable force will meet an immovable object on Thursday as the No. 10 scoring offense faces the No. 4 scoring defense. Ole Miss, known for its ability to put points on the board, will look to strike early and often offensively, while Miami will look to use its defensive prowess to not only keep the Rebels off the scoreboard but also force turnovers.
For Ole Miss, Chambliss, Lacy, and standout wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling will likely be the keys to victory. Chambliss –who has logged 3,660 yards in the air, 520 on the ground, and 29 total touchdowns – had his big moment in the Sugar Bowl when he Houdini’d his way out of jams on back-to-back plays late in the game and moved the ball upfield to help the Rebels secure a victory. With Miami’s daunting pass rush, he will likely have to rinse and repeat those efforts, unless his offensive line can hold up.
Lacy will be crucial in helping the Rebels establish a ground attack to keep Miami honest, and he is certainly more than capable of doing so. Stribling will be consequential for creating mismatches and finding one-on-one opportunities. Another unsung hero could come in the form of special teams if Lucas Carneiro’s name is called. The stellar placekicker’s record-setting boot in the Sugar Bowl was vital in the Rebels’ big win.
Miami is led by a veteran quarterback in Carson Beck and a talented supporting offensive cast, but the Hurricanes’ bread and butter all season has been its defense. Led by defensive linemen Akheem Mesidore and Rueben Bain, who have a combined 19 sacks on the season, Miami will look to get to Chambliss often while limiting Lacy. The Hurricanes’ prolific group of defensive backs will also be called upon to stifle Ole Miss’ quick passing game, which has been effective all year.
Injury report
Both teams will enter the game with mostly healthy rosters as no impact players are listed as “out” on the initial injury report. However, Ole Miss is keeping an eye on defensive end Kam Franklin, who was reportedly in concussion protocol, while Miami is monitoring Damari Brown and Ahmad Moten Sr. Otherwise, the teams will beat full speed come kickoff.
Fiesta Bowl start time
The Fiesta Bowl will kick off Thursday, Jan. 8, from inside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., at 6:30 p.m. CT. Tickets are still available for the game and can be purchased here.
How to listen to the Fiesta Bowl
For those tuning in via radio, participating SuperTalk Mississippi stations will be airing the Fiesta Bowl. To find a station in your signal range, click here. You can also listen on the SuperTalk app, available on both Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
How to watch the Fiesta Bowl
For those looking to tune in via television, the Fiesta Bowl will air on ESPN.
SuperTalk Mississippi News’ Fiesta Bowl coverage is supported by Barnes Crossing Auto Group, Pileum, Good Hope Land & Timber, Mississippi Hospital Association, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, and Yuengling.