#10 Miami vs. #6 Ole Miss Predictions, Picks & Odds: CFB Playoffs Semis, 1/8

The College Football Playoff semifinals are set to take place in the desert on Thursday night, featuring an exciting ACC vs. SEC clash as #10 Miami faces off against #6 Ole Miss in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl. With a chance to compete in the national championship game at stake, both teams come to Glendale full of momentum, confidence, and the belief that they deserve to be among the final four – which sets us up for some #10 Miami vs. #6 Ole Miss predictions!

Miami has already made history as a double-digit seed reaching the CFP semifinals, defeating Texas A&M and Ohio State thanks to a strong defense that has quickly become the highlight of this postseason. On the other hand, Ole Miss bounced back from a late-season setback by beating Tulane for the second time and then overcoming Georgia in a thrilling quarterfinal, showcasing one of the most explosive offenses in the nation.

#10 Miami vs. #6 Ole Miss Predictions for the CFB Playoff Semis, Thursday, 1/8

The betting market opened with Miami as a slight favorite, and early bets have favored the Hurricanes. While Ole Miss boasts impressive offensive stats and a quarterback who is playing the best football of his career, Miami’s defensive capabilities, situational advantages, and consistent coaching suggest that the Hurricanes are the more dependable team in this matchup.

Miami doesn’t need to impress with style points here. They just need to control the game — and our #10 Miami vs. #6 Ole Miss picks believe they are more than capable of doing just that.

#10 Miami vs. #6 Ole Miss Spread Pick: Hurricanes -3.5 (+104 at Novig)

Miami’s run in the CFP has been all about dominating the defensive line, and that strength travels well. Against Texas A&M and Ohio State, both of which are top-20 scoring offenses, Miami only allowed a total of 17 points while consistently collapsing the pocket, blocking rushing lanes, and forcing quarterbacks into quick decisions. This trend is significant against an Ole Miss offense that relies on rhythm, tempo, and big plays.

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss is exciting and poses a threat, but this is the toughest defensive front he’s encountered all season. Miami’s knack for creating pressure without relying heavily on blitzing is a game-changer. When Miami controls the line of scrimmage, they reduce throwing windows and push quarterbacks into checkdowns and third-and-long situations — exactly where Ole Miss struggles more.

The Rebels also depend a lot on Kewan Lacy in their running game, but Miami’s interior defense has been exceptional at limiting efficiency on early downs. By putting Ole Miss in tough spots, Miami can unleash its pass rush and force longer drives instead of quick scores. This plays right into the Hurricanes’ strategy.

On the offensive side, Miami doesn’t need to be amazing. They just need to perform adequately — and against this Ole Miss defense, that’s doable. The Rebels are about average in run defense and don’t apply the same consistent pressure that Ohio State or Texas A&M did. This should enable Miami to focus on their running game, control the pace, and steer clear of risky situations.

Carson Beck hasn't posted flashy stats in the playoffs, but he's been effective, safeguarded the football, and taken advantage of the short fields provided by the defense. This strategy works again in this game. Miami doesn't require explosive plays on every drive; it needs to maintain possession, be efficient in the red zone, and ensure ball security.

Ole Miss will have its moments. Chambliss is too skilled not to make plays, and the Rebels' talented skill position players can challenge any defense. However, over the course of four quarters, Miami's physicality in the trenches, depth on the defensive line, and ability to wear down opponents should take charge.

The most probable scenario in our #10 Miami vs. #6 Ole Miss predictions sees Miami slowly pulling away in the second half — forcing Ole Miss to push just enough to make mistakes — and sealing the game with strong defense and control of the clock.

How To Watch #10 Miami vs. #6 Ole Miss - CFB Playoff Semis

• Date: Thursday, January 8
• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: State Farm Stadium (Glendale, AZ)
• TV: ESPN

#10 Miami vs. #6 Ole Miss Odds, Spreads, Total & Betting Lines

Novig has announced the newest #10 Miami vs. #6 Ole Miss odds for the game, which is set to take place on Thursday night. This update comes after our earlier #10 Miami vs. #6 Ole Miss predictions:

• Money Line (ML): Hurricanes -156 | Rebels +154
• Spread: Hurricanes -3.5 (+104) | Rebels +3.5 (-109)
• Over/Under (O/U): 52.5 (O: -102 | U: -111)

#10 Miami vs. #6 Ole Miss Injury Report & Latest News

Miami Injury Report

• A. Moten Sr. (DL) – Questionable, Undisclosed
• C. McConathy II (DL) – Questionable, Undisclosed
• D. Upshaw (WR) – Out, Foot
• M. Bryant (LB) – Out, Undisclosed
• D. Brown (CB) – Questionable, Undisclosed

Ole Miss Injury Report

• P. Wilkins (OG) – Out, Undisclosed
• K. Franklin (DL) – Questionable, Undisclosed
• C. Beavers (CB) – Out, Undisclosed
• J. Saunders Jr. (S) – Out, Undisclosed
• R. Collins (LB) – Out, Undisclosed

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