Overview
- Miami defeated Ohio State 24-14 in the Cotton Bowl to reach the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Fiesta Bowl against Ole Miss.
- Ole Miss beat Georgia 39-34 in the Sugar Bowl, removing a potential matchup with Beck’s former team.
- Beck said Georgia’s loss did not affect him and that he spent the game dissecting both defenses to get a head start on preparation.
- A star alumni contingent that included Michael Irvin, Ray Lewis, Edgerrin James, Andre Johnson and Jimmy Johnson has been highly involved on the sideline.
- Irvin publicly defended Beck against critics and Beck praised Irvin’s ‘irreplaceable’ energy as Lewis urged him to “go win us the ball game” before his clinching drive versus Ohio State.