Mario Cristobal praised Carson Beck after they led Miami to a 31-27 win over Mississippi in the Fiesta Bowl, College Football Playoff on Thursday night. Miami advances to the National Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 19.
Cristobal mentioned Beck feels supportive, is driven and a great human being who wants to see his teammates have success. Cristobal continued that he cannot say enough great things about Beck. Beck led Miami on two late fourth-quarter scoring drives.
Beck led Miami on a 15-play, 75-yard drive in 2:55 to take the lead on a four-yard Beck touchdown run with 18 seconds left. Miami had a four-play, 75-yard drive in 1:56 that culminated with a 36-yard Malachi Toney TD reception to take a 24-19 lead with 5:04 remaining.
Beck completed 23 passes in 37 attempts for 268 yards, two touchdowns and one interception with the one rushing TD. Beck had to rally Miami after Mississippi had its own drive to take the lead with 3:13 remaining.
"That's a perfect example of a guy who feels supported, he's hungry, he's driven and he's a great human being...All he wants to do is he wants to see his teammates have success. That's what we witnessed tonight and Carson Beck, I can't say enough great things about him. I love the guy. Absolutely awesome."Miami head coach Mario Cristobal
Carson Beck leadership
Beck provided incredible leadership as Miami overcame adversity multiple times to survive and advance. In the fourth quarter, Beck completed eight passes in 13 attempts for 93 yards, one TD and the rushing TD in the fourth quarter.
Miami advanced for the third consecutive game with a critical final drive in the fourth quarter. The Hurricanes had a six-play, 86-yard drive that culminated with a 10-yard Toney TD reception with 1:44 left. Miami iced the game against Ohio State with a 10-play, 70-yard drive that culminated with a CharMar Brown five-yard rushing TD.
The experience Beck has provided Miami has allowed the Hurricanes to stay calm and execute on offense with the game on the line. Miami has one more game at home to finish the season with its first National Championship since 2001.