Miami and Ole Miss are in the middle of a heated battle for what will be the first spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship. After one half, the Hurricanes narrowly edged out the Rebels 17-13 in a game where defense is key.
Miami's defense has been solid all season, with the defensive line being led by star defensive tackle Rueben Bain. Bain has been electric for the Hurricanes all season long with 45 total tackles, 24 solo tackles, one pass defended, 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception.
In the game against Ole Miss, Bain has not been tackled much as he has yet to make a big impact on the game. ESPN football analyst Booger McFarland seems to be calling Bain out with his latest post on social media, which just feels wrong with how this game is going.
Is Rueben Bain playing tonight ?
— Booger (@ESPNBooger) January 9, 2026
Of course, Bain is playing tonight, but Ole Miss knew that in order to help the offense out the most, they had to take care of Bain. Just because Bain has not had his best game, though, it has allowed others to step up on the Miami defensive line.
The Miami defense has only been able to get to Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss once tonight for a sack, but they have also only allowed 13 points to the Rebels. There were many times that the Miami defense got off the field without allowing points or forcing Ole Miss to settle for a field goal.
Booger McFarland can just sit at home and watch the game and keep his comments to himself. It makes sense that Ole Miss would want to take away Miami's best defensive player. Just because he isn't making all the plays doesn't mean the Miami defense isn't either. There is still a lot of time left for Bain to make a difference in this game.