PARADISE VALLEY, Arizona — The Hurricanes are one win away from making their first national championship game since 2003. Standing in their way is Ole Miss, which upset Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.

If Miami is going to win at the Fiesta Bowl, which doubles as a College Football Playoff semifinal, UM will have to find ways to win several key matchups.

Here are five matchups between players or units that may decide the game:

Miami’s pass rushers vs. Chambliss’ legs

Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss may be the most important player in Thursday’s game. Miami will need to find a way to neutralize him.

The Hurricanes have neutralized both quarterbacks they have faced in the playoffs with their pass rush. The defensive-end duo of Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor have combined for 13 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and six sacks. UM’s defensive tackles, linebackers and defensive backs have all found their way into the backfield, too — Miami has 12 total sacks in the playoffs.

But Chambliss has been one of the most difficult quarterbacks to sack all season. His ability to move in the pocket and scramble for yards when the pocket falls apart gives him the perfect way to counter the Hurricanes’ pass rush and find open running lanes or receivers.

UM will need to do its best to accomplish what Georgia couldn’t: get Chambliss on the ground.

Miami’s defensive backs vs. Chambliss’ arm

Chambliss makes life difficult with his arm, as well. The Ferris State transfer quarterback is sixth in the nation with 3,660 passing yards and a 66.4 completion percentage. He has thrown 21 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Pro Football Focus gives Chambliss an 84.9 passing grade this season.

Chambliss is particularly dangerous when throwing deep. PFF gives him a 96.7 passing grade when throwing 20 or more yards downfield, ranking him fourth in the nation.

Miami’s cornerbacks did well to slow down Ohio State’s deep passing game, only allowing a couple long passes. The Buckeyes’ receivers are better than the Rebels’ wide receivers, so that bodes well for UM. But the Hurricanes are banged up in the secondary. Cornerback OJ Frederique Jr. left the quarterfinal game with an injury, and Damari Brown has not played in the playoffs. Miami listed Frederique as probable for the game and Brown as questionable, so they the Hurricanes could be closer to full strength on Thursday.

Miami’s defensive line vs. Lacy

Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy has been one of the nation’s top running backs this year. The sophomore is third in the nation with 1,464 rushing yards and his 23 rushing touchdowns ranks second nationally.

The Hurricanes are tasked with slowing him down. Miami has excelled at run defense all season. The Hurricanes are fifth nationally with only 84 rushing yards allowed per game. Pro Football Focus ranks them 15th nationally with a 92.1 run-defense grade. Bain and Mesidor have been two of the nation’s best run-stopping defensive ends, and interior linemen David Blay Jr., Ahmad Moten Sr. and Justin Scott have all been good run-stoppers, as well.

Miami will need them to be at the top of their game to keep Lacy from being a decisive factor.

Fletcher vs. Ole Miss defensive line

Mark Fletcher Jr. has been carrying the Hurricanes’ offense in the playoffs. After a career day against Texas A&M (172 yards on 17 carries), Fletcher has 90 yards on 19 carries against Ohio State. He also scored the game’s first touchdown on a 9-yard pass.

Fortunately for UM, Ole Miss has not been great against the run. The Rebels are 65th nationally, with 146.07 rushing yards allowed per game. But PFF gives Ole Miss a 91.3 team run-defense grade, which is 22nd in the nation. Ole Miss has solid run-stoppers such as defensive tackles Will Echoles and Zxavian Harris, so UM will not have an easy task.

Toney vs. Ole Miss defensive backs

Malachi Toney was the Hurricanes’ top playmaker during the regular season, setting the UM freshman record for receptions and receiving yards. But he has been fairly quiet during the playoffs.

Toney had a relatively slow game against the Aggies before scoring the game-winning touchdown in the final two minutes. Against Ohio State, Toney had 16 yards on five catches.

But Ole Miss’ pass defense is the worst of the teams Miami has faced in the playoffs. The Rebels have allowed 194 yards per game, which is 31st nationally. PFF gives them a 74.8 coverage grade, which is 70th in the nation.

This could be the game Toney catches fire.