Sometimes the most magical moments in sports come from believing when others don't. That's exactly what FOX South Florida personality Andy Slater did when he placed a $500 bet on the Miami Hurricanes to win the College Football National Championship back in early December—and now his faith in the team could result in a life-changing $50,500 payday.

When Slater made his bold prediction before the College Football Playoff field was even announced, the odds were stacked dramatically against Miami at an eye-popping +10000. Most analysts had written off the Hurricanes' chances of even making the playoff field. With two losses on their resume and questions about their strength of schedule, Miami seemed like the ultimate underdog story waiting to be written.

But what a story it has become! The Hurricanes didn't just make the playoff—they've been absolutely electric, proving all the doubters wrong with commanding performances that have captivated college football fans nationwide. Their journey has been nothing short of inspiring, defeating Texas A&M on the road as three-point underdogs before stunning powerhouse Ohio State as 9.5-point underdogs in the quarterfinals.

Now, Miami finds itself just two victories away from a national championship, and Slater's prescient wager has gone from a nearly impossible long shot to a genuinely achievable dream. The odds have dramatically shifted from +10000 to +300, reflecting how brilliantly the Hurricanes have played. They're now favored by 3.5 points against Ole Miss in their upcoming semifinal matchup.

The confidence Slater has shown in his team has been unwavering. Despite Hard Rock Bet offering him over $10,000 to cash out early, the passionate broadcaster has repeatedly declined, posting enthusiastic "No deal" messages after each Miami victory. His latest update radiated excitement: "It's game week and I see Hard Rock Bet is having second thoughts! I'm not!"

Miami's defense has been the cornerstone of their remarkable playoff run, allowing just 17 combined points across their two victories. The team has controlled the line of scrimmage and played with the kind of heart and determination that makes college football so special. Now they're tied for the second-best championship odds among all remaining teams—a stunning turnaround from their position just a month ago.

The upcoming semifinal against Ole Miss presents another exciting challenge. With Miami quarterback Carson Beck's experience and the team's momentum, the Hurricanes have every reason to believe they can continue their magical run. They've already proven they can win as underdogs; now they'll look to validate their favorite status.

For Slater, this journey represents more than just a potentially lucrative bet—it's a testament to loyalty, belief, and the beautiful unpredictability of sports. Whether the Hurricanes ultimately take home the championship or not, this story reminds us why we love college football: anything is possible when teams play with passion and fans believe in them unconditionally.

Two more wins stand between Slater and a 100-times return on his investment, but the real prize has been watching Miami's incredible journey unfold.