So, you’re looking for the score. Honestly, if you tuned in to your usual channel expecting to see an NFL game, you probably got a bit of a shock. There wasn't an NFL game last night. The pros have officially packed up their Thursday schedule to make room for the playoff bracket, but don't let that bum you out because the college kids absolutely brought the house down in Glendale.
The final score for the big game on Thursday night was Miami 31, Ole Miss 27.
It was the Fiesta Bowl, a College Football Playoff semifinal that felt more like a heavyweight boxing match than a football game. If you missed it, you missed Carson Beck basically cementing his legacy as one of the gutsiest quarterbacks to ever play at this level. This wasn't some blowout. It was a tooth-and-nail fight that came down to the literal final seconds.
What’s the Score on the Thursday Night Football and Why Was It So Close?
Let’s talk about that 31-27 finish. For most of the game, it felt like Ole Miss had the upper hand. They were playing that fast, "Lane Train" style of offense that just wears you down. Trinidad Chambliss was dealing, and for a while, it looked like the Rebels were going to cruise into the National Championship.
But Miami has this "never say die" vibe this year. They trailed 27-24 with just over three minutes left on the clock. That’s an eternity for some, but against a defense like the Rebels, it’s a mountain to climb. Carson Beck, who already has a ring from his days at Georgia, looked like he was playing a video game on that final drive.
He didn't just throw the ball; he orchestrated a 15-play, 75-yard march that sucked the soul out of the stadium.
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Then, with 18 seconds left? Beck tucked the ball and scrambled 3 yards for the winning touchdown. The stadium went absolutely bananas. It’s one of those moments that makes you remember why we watch this sport in the first place.
Key Stats from the Thursday Night Thriller
- Final Score: Miami 31, Ole Miss 27
- Carson Beck (Miami): 268 passing yards, 2 TDs, plus the game-winning rushing TD.
- Kewan Lacy (Ole Miss): 73-yard touchdown run in the second quarter (an absolute rocket ship).
- Time of Possession: Miami held the ball for a staggering 41:22 compared to Ole Miss's 18:38.
Basically, Miami just kept the ball away from the Rebels. You can't score if you aren't on the field. That’s old-school football in a high-tech era.
Wait, No NFL? What Happened to Thursday Night Football?
If you were specifically looking for what’s the score on the thursday night football regarding the NFL, here’s the deal: the league stops doing Thursday games once the playoffs start. They want to give teams maximum rest and, frankly, they want the big weekend TV slots for the Wild Card and Divisional rounds.
The NFL’s "Super Wild Card Weekend" actually starts this Saturday, January 10th. So, while Thursday was quiet on the pro front, the weekend is about to be absolute chaos. We’re talking about the Rams and Panthers kicking things off on Saturday, followed by a massive Green Bay vs. Chicago showdown.
Why the NFL skips Thursdays in January
- Rest and Recovery: Teams playing in the playoffs need a full week to prep. A short Thursday turnaround would be a player safety nightmare.
- TV Ratings: Sunday and Monday nights are the "prime" real estate for playoff viewership.
- Competition: The NFL doesn't want to go head-to-head with massive College Football Playoff games like the one we just saw.
It’s kinda weird not having Al Michaels or the Amazon Prime crew on our screens, but after that Miami/Ole Miss game, I don't think anyone is complaining.
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The Turning Point: How Miami Flipped the Script
The game swung on a dime in the fourth quarter. Ole Miss had just taken the lead 27-24 thanks to a 24-yard dime from Chambliss to Dae'Quan Wright. The Rebels’ fans were already booking flights to Miami for the title game.
But Miami’s offensive line, led by James Brockermeyer and Francis Mauigoa, just started bullying people. They were averaging over 5 yards a carry in the second half. That wears a defense down. By the time Beck was ready for that final drive, the Ole Miss defensive front looked like they were running through mud.
It’s interesting because earlier in the season, people were calling the Hurricanes' defense "porous." Last night? They were nearly impenetrable when it mattered. They limited Ole Miss to just two third-down conversions the entire night. That is a wild stat. Two out of ten. You aren't winning many playoff games with those numbers.
What's Next for the Winners?
Now that the 31-27 score is in the books, Miami is heading home. Literally. The National Championship is at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday, January 19, 2026. They’ll be facing the winner of the Oregon vs. Indiana game.
Think about that for a second. Miami playing for a national title in their own backyard. The ticket prices are already skyrocketing into the thousands. It’s the first time the "U" has been in this position since 2001.
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If you're an Ole Miss fan, it’s a heartbreak of a way to end a historic season. Pete Golding, who stepped in as head coach, has nothing to be ashamed of. They took down Georgia in the quarterfinals and came within 18 seconds of a title berth.
Real-World Takeaways for Your Bracket
If you’re following the NFL playoffs instead, keep an eye on the Houston Texans. They play Monday against Pittsburgh. Much like Miami, the Texans have been riding a wave of "nobody believes in us" energy.
Also, look at the Rams. Matthew Stafford is 37 now, but he’s still playing like he’s 25. He’s the veteran presence in the NFC that mirrors what Carson Beck is for Miami—just a guy who doesn't flinch when the lights get bright.
Your next move: Since there are no more Thursday NFL games this season, clear your schedule for Saturday afternoon. The Rams vs. Panthers game starts the Wild Card round at 4:30 PM ET on Fox. If it’s half as good as the Miami game we just saw, we’re in for a legendary weekend of football. Keep an eye on the weather in Chicago too; it’s looking like a "frozen tundra" game for the Packers and Bears.