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Ole Miss Battles Miami in College Football Semifinal Showdown

1/5/2026

24 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), No. 6, faces Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinal on January 8, 2026, in Glendale, Arizona.
Lane Kiffin's departure raised doubts, but Pete Golding has guided Ole Miss to a 39-34 quarterfinal win over Georgia.
Trinidad Chambliss threw for 362 yards, fueling Ole Miss's offense.
Miami comes off a victory against Ohio State.

History

Historical Context

The College Football Playoff (CFP) debuted in 2014, replacing the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) with a four-team knockout format. This change aimed to enhance competition and fan engagement, allowing elite programs like Alabama and Oregon to compete for the national title. The CFP's success has led to increased visibility and revenue for universities, prompting a planned expansion to 12 teams in 2024.

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Story summary

The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), No. 6, faces Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinal on January 8, 2026, in Glendale, Arizona.
Lane Kiffin's departure raised doubts, but Pete Golding has guided Ole Miss to a 39-34 quarterfinal win over Georgia.
Trinidad Chambliss threw for 362 yards, fueling Ole Miss's offense.
Miami comes off a victory against Ohio State.

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