Miami fans are celebrating a dramatic Fiesta Bowl win over Ole Miss in the final seconds of the Fiesta Bowl— and rightfully so. A last-minute victory on a national stage is what championship teams are made of. But even in the glow of a 31–27 win, one question lingers heading into the National Championship: where did the Miami defense go for long stretches of the game?

For parts of the night, the Hurricanes looked like the same dominant and aggressive defensive unit that carried them through the season. The front seven was disruptive early, forcing Ole Miss into uncomfortable situations and setting the tone with pressure and physicality, limiting the chains from moving in what was shaping up to be a nail-biting game. Miami flew to the ball, won early downs, and looked fully in control.

Then the cracks started to show.

Ole Miss found explosive plays — something Miami had largely eliminated this year. Missed tackles, blown gaps and breakdowns in the secondary allowed the Rebels to flip the game with chunk yardage instead of methodical drives. The defense bent repeatedly, and while it avoided a total collapse, it left the offense with no choice but to win the game late.

That’s not the recipe Miami wants to rely on in a national title game.

To the defense’s credit, when the moment mattered most, it responded. Late stops and limiting Ole Miss to field goals kept the Hurricanes within striking distance. Championship teams often win ugly before they win big — and Miami showed resilience when it could have folded.

But the margin for error is shrinking.

In the National Championship, Miami won’t get away with defensive lapses. The opponent will capitalize on every missed assignment, every poor angle, every hesitation. If Miami wants to bring a title back to Coral Gables, the defense must return to its identity: disciplined, physical and relentless for all four quarters.

The talent is there. The scheme is there. Now it’s about consistency.

Miami fans know this team is special. The offense proved it can deliver under pressure. But if the Hurricanes want to finish the job and lift the trophy, the defense has to show up — not just in flashes, but for a full 60 minutes.

Because championships aren’t won on last-minute heroics alone — they’re secured by defenses that never disappear.