Miami Hurricanes' historic playoff run faces Ole Miss Rebels' coaching turmoil. Will key Ole Miss staff remain for the crucial Fiesta Bowl semifinal showdown?
The Miami Hurricanes shocked the college football world after upsetting the reigning champion Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl quarterfinals, with a final score of 24-14. They dominated the matchup from beginning to end, never trailing. The offense was carried once again through the junior star Mark Fletcher Jr., plus additional help from sophomore CharMar Brown, combining for 24 carries for 116 yards, 146 total yards, and recording two touchdowns.
Also, the defense consistently came through with heroic moments, such as edge-rushing star duo redshirt senior Akheem Mesidor and junior Rueben Bain Jr., who had eight total tackles, six solos and two assists, 3.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks between them. Redshirt senior cornerback Keionte Scott was named the Defensive Player of the Game after the victory, converting on an interception touchdown for 72 yards.
It's worth highlighting that senior linebacker Wesley Bissainthe had a crucial sack in the fourth quarter as the Buckeyes attempted a comeback.
The Hurricanes are officially set to face the Ole Miss Rebels in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl semifinals after thrillingly defeating the Georgia Bulldogs, with a final score of 39-34. Senior quarterback Trinidad Chambliss completed 30 of 46 passes, 65.2 percent, for 362 yards, recording two touchdowns.
The Southeast program is experiencing its best year in program history, finishing the regular season with an 11-1 record and making the College Football Playoffs for the first time ever. However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for the Rebels.
Despite the tremendous success, it was reported in late Nov. that Lane Kiffin would accept the head coaching position at Louisiana State University, following the firing of Brian Kelly. He desired to stay with the Rebels for the College Football Playoffs, but was denied. A completely mirrored situation from Tulane Green Wave's Jon Surmall after accepting the Florida Gators' headcoaching job.
The college football calendar is weird, especially with the transfer portal, but here's when things get interesting for the Rebels.
It's been reported that there's "uncertainty" about whether or not staff members who are set to join Kiffin at LSU will remain for the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl semifinals.
Members included:
- Charlie Weis Jr. (Offensive coordinator)
- Kevin Smith (Offensive assistant coach/running backs)
- Joe Cox (Tight ends/co-offensive coordinator)
- George McDonald (Wide receivers/passing game coordinator)
- Sawyer Jordan (Inside wide receiver)
- Dane Stevens (Quarterbacks)
The latest on the situation is that Weis Jr. will remain with the Rebels throughout the College Football Playoffs; the other five have concluded their duties. However, newly head coach, Pete Golding, isn't worried about losing familiarity.
"We have plenty of people in the building to do the job," he said.
It's a unique situation, but business remains as usual for the Hurricanes. The game is set for Thursday, Jan. 8th.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Hurricanes News: