Hard Rock Stadium — Miami Gardens, Fl. — Two contrasting paths converge on college football’s biggest stage. The No. 10 Miami Hurricanes (13–2) return home with momentum, speed, and swagger. The No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers (15–0) arrive undefeated, disciplined, and relentless. Indiana has never won a national championship. Miami hasn’t lifted the trophy since 2001. When they meet for the CFP National Championship, the defining question isn’t talent — it’s identity.
Betting Lines
- Spread: Indiana -8.5
- Moneyline: Indiana -340 | Miami +270
- Over/Under: 47.5
- ESPN Analytics: Indiana 68.3%, Miami 31.7%
Road to the Title Game
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana’s playoff run has been dominant. In the Rose Bowl quarterfinal, the Hoosiers dismantled Alabama 38–3, overwhelming the Tide with physicality and precision. That dominance carried into the Peach Bowl, where Indiana crushed Oregon 56–22, forcing multiple turnovers and scoring in every quarter. Efficient offense, mistake-free football, and suffocating defense have defined Indiana’s season — and they enter the title game undefeated and favored by more than a touchdown.
Miami Hurricanes
Miami’s journey has been defined by grit and timely playmaking. The Hurricanes opened the playoff with a 10–3 road win over Texas A&M in a defensive battle. They followed it by stunning reigning champion Ohio State 24–14, holding one of the nation’s most explosive offenses in check. In the Fiesta Bowl semifinal, Miami edged Ole Miss 31–27, highlighted by Carson Beck’s 268 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a game-winning rushing score with 18 seconds left.
Offense vs. Defense
Miami Offense vs. Indiana Defense
Miami’s offense thrives on physicality, clock control, and winning one-on-one matchups. Beck’s mobility adds an unpredictable element, while running back Mark Fletcher — the playoff rushing yards leader — anchors the ground game. On the perimeter, Malachi Toney and CJ Daniels have delivered in big moments.
Indiana’s defense, however, is the most technically sound unit in the country. They rarely commit penalties, limit explosive plays, and consistently force turnovers. If Indiana keeps Miami in long-yardage situations and forces extended drives, they can bait mistakes and control tempo.
Indiana Offense vs. Miami Defense
Led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, Indiana’s offense is efficient and mistake-free. They don’t beat themselves — no penalties, no turnovers, no dropped passes. Against Oregon, they attacked all levels of the field and finished drives with ease. Receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper headline a reliable passing attack.
Miami’s defense counters with speed and power up front, led by Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. The Hurricanes held Texas A&M and Ohio State to a combined 17 points. If Miami can win early downs and force third-and-long, they can disrupt Indiana’s rhythm and swing field position.
How Each Team Wins
- Miami wins by controlling the clock, winning the trenches, and creating timely turnovers. An early lead changes the game script.
- Indiana wins by playing clean football, controlling possession, and leaning on a defense that has dominated elite offenses all postseason.
Prediction
This game comes down to discipline and line-of-scrimmage control. Indiana has been the most mistake-free team in the country all season, but Miami’s physical fronts can keep this close. In the end, Indiana’s identity wins out.
Indiana 27, Miami 20
HOO, HOO, HOO, HOOSIERS!
Indiana claims its first national championship, and Curt Cignetti completes one of the greatest program turnarounds in college football history — from 3–9 to 16–0 national champions in 2 years.
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