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The second School Soccer Playoff semifinal is ready as No. 6 Ole Miss prepares to play No. 10 Miami within the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 8. The matchup is the primary between these two faculties since 1951, and represents every’s first journey to the nationwide semis.
The Rebels pulled a serious upset in a rematch towards No. 3 Georgia, defeating the SEC champions 39-34 within the Sugar Bowl. The win was a program document thirteenth, with two coming beneath freshly promoted head coach Pete Golding.
The Hurricanes additionally pulled an upset, knocking off No. 2 Ohio State within the Cotton Bowl with a 24-14 effort. Miami leaned on its stacked offensive line to push previous the Buckeyes and attain out towards its first nationwide championship in additional than 20 years.
Ole Miss and Miami have performed solely 3 times. The Hurricanes gained one in 1951, with the Rebels capturing two others earlier than World Battle II. Now, each applications can elevate themselves to nationwide prominence and attain the nationwide championship sport with a win within the Fiesta Bowl.
What to find out about Ole Miss
Ole Miss is within the midst of one of the vital outstanding seasons within the historical past of faculty soccer. Lane Kiffin spurned the Rebels to go away for rival LSU earlier than the School Soccer Playoff, main Ole Miss handy the keys to defensive coordinator Pete Golding.
As a substitute of folding, the Rebels have responded with a sensational run. Ole Miss crushed 11-seed Tulane in a rematch after which used a Herculean effort from quarterback Trinidad Chambliss to upset Georgia. Chambliss has been a revelation since taking up because the beginning quarterback, and threw for 362 yards and two touchdowns within the upset.
Chambliss has been flanked by operating again Kewan Lacy, who remodeled into one of many SEC’s prime operating backs. Golding’s protection additionally got here up with enormous performs down the stretch to succeed in a thirteenth win.
Heading into the Fiesta Bowl, Ole Miss boasts maybe essentially the most explosive offense remaining within the School Soccer Playoff. Nonetheless, they’re additionally the lowest-rated protection. The unit must convey its finest sport towards a Miami offense full of playmakers.
What to find out about Miami
The Hurricanes are the primary “Cinderella” of the expanded School Soccer Playoff, pulling main upsets towards No. 7 Texas A&M and No. 2 Ohio State to succeed in the semis. Miami was 9.5-point underdog towards the Buckeyes, however have leaned on their stacked defensive position to bulldoze their option to the Fiesta Bowl.
Defensive ends Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor each earned All-America honors, and have seemed the half throughout the run. The duo had three mixed sacks within the Cotton Bowl and helped pave the way in which for a protection that held the Buckeyes to solely 14 factors.
On offense, operating again Mark Fletcher Jr. has been a revelation within the postseason. The junior has 287 all-purpose yards within the two wins, together with a bodily 56-yard scamper to assist arrange a game-winning landing towards the Aggies. Throughout the season, although, they’ve leaned on freshman large receiver Malachi Toney, who cleared 1,000 receiving yards.
Nonetheless, Carson Beck stays the most important wild card for the Hurricanes. He hasn’t pushed the ball downfield throughout the run, however accomplished a Cotton Bowl document 13 consecutive passes to maintain the offense on schedule.
Fiesta Bowl odds, prediction
Ole Miss and Miami are within the midst of magical runs, and one will finish within the nationwide semifinals. Whereas Ole Miss proved it could actually cling with the very best within the sport, Miami’s defensive position is maybe essentially the most unbeatable benefit remaining within the playoff. The Rebels haven’t performed a cross rusher to the extent of Rueben Bain or Akheem Mesidor throughout the season, and the Hurricanes will generate sufficient factors to succeed in the nationwide championship sport. Decide: Miami -3.5
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