MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — The Miami Hurricanes are making history as they head back to the National Championship stage for the first time in more than two decades.
The Canes defeated Ole Miss 31-27 Thursday night in the Fiesta Bowl and Canes fans were celebrating the big win all night in South Florida from La Carreta on Bird Road to Miller’s Ale House in Doral.
Inside the Ale House, the loyal fan base was on full display as the Canes make their way back to South Florida for the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
“We’ve waited a long time to be in this position. We’re super happy to be representing the state of Florida,” Stephanie Acosta Castero said.
“It’s an unstoppable feeling. It’s amazing — it’s better than the Dolphins,” Lisa Gonzalez said.
It was a late Thursday night for fans watching the monumental game on the edge of their seat.
The Hurricanes ultimately held off Ole Miss in Glendale, Arizona.
“It’s super exciting to be on campus during such a unique time. It doesn’t happen very often — it’s really special,” University of Miami student Graceanna Dixon said.
Many fans stopped by the UM bookstore Thursday to grab new gear ahead of the game.
“Everyone is pumped, energized. We’re definitely feeling the excitement,” bookstore manager Allison Rotbart said.
And fans are staying optimistic as the Canes head to the National Championship.
“We’re gonna win. We’re gonna bring this National Championship back home where it belongs,” Daniela Velasquez said.
Local 10 first met Daniela on New Year’s Eve, calling the game before kickoff. Now, days later, she’s back — this time celebrating the result.
“It makes me so proud of the team and everything they’ve done — how hard they’re building,” she said.
Juliana Avalon of the University of Miami track and field team said she was still recovering from the excitement of Thursday night’s celebration.
“I’m surprised I still have my voice. I was screaming so much last night, my heart rate was through the roof, but I’m so proud of those guys. They deserve every bit of this,” Avalon told Local 10’s Michaila Hightower.
Fans described the mood as a whirlwind of emotion as the Hurricanes returned to campus following their Fiesta Bowl victory.
“We cried about y’all last night. We’re waiting for y’all and we can’t wait for y’all to get here. It’s all about the U, baby,” said longtime fan Jovon Goodman at 10:21 a.m.
The Miami Hurricanes are returning to campus as Fiesta Bowl champions and, for the first time since 2001, the iconic orange and green fans saw Thursday night will fill Hard Rock Stadium for the college football finale. The team is giving South Florida plenty to celebrate.
Stephanie Acosta Castero said Friday she and her friends had been anticipating the moment for years.
“We’ve waited a long time to be in this position. We’re super happy to be representing the state of Florida,” she said at 10:15 a.m.
Meanwhile, fans like Goodman are counting down the minutes until the team arrives back on campus.
