In a matchup that seemed unlikely just two months ago, Miami and Indiana are set to clash in the College Football Playoff final on January 19, marking a historic first in this expanded playoff era. The Hoosiers, who hold an impressive 15-0 record, secured their spot in the final by decisively defeating Oregon 56-22. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes, with a 13-2 record, clinched their place by narrowly overcoming Mississippi 31-27 the previous night.
According to the BetMGM Sportsbook, Indiana opens as a 7.5-point favorite heading into the game, which will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida, the home field of the Hurricanes. For Indiana”s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, this game holds special significance as he grew up just a mile away from the campus in Coral Gables. “It means a little bit more to me,” Mendoza remarked about the opportunity to play in a title game so close to home.
The Hurricanes boast a storied history in college football, having won five national championships between 1983 and 2001. Known for their charismatic and audacious style, Miami now finds itself in a narrative of resurgence under head coach Mario Cristobal. Cristobal, a Miami native and former player, returned to rejuvenate the program after years of struggle. A key moment in this revival was the acquisition of quarterback Carson Beck, who transferred to Miami and has been instrumental in their success, throwing for 15 touchdowns with only two interceptions during a seven-game winning streak.
“He”s hungry, he”s driven, he”s a great human being, and all he wants to do is to see his teammates have success,” Cristobal said after Beck”s stellar performance against Ole Miss, where he threw for 268 yards and ran for the game-winning touchdown. The Hurricanes have surged since being ranked 18th by the CFP selection committee earlier this season, following a loss that placed them on the brink of elimination.
Indiana”s journey to the top has been nothing short of remarkable. The program entered the 2024 season with the most losses in NCAA history, totaling 713 over more than 130 years. Under the leadership of coach Curt Cignetti, who joined from James Madison, Indiana has undergone a transformation. Cignetti”s confidence was evident when he declared, “It”s pretty simple. I win. Google me,” during a press conference after recruiting a promising class that has taken the Hoosiers from obscurity to championship contention.
Mendoza, who attended the same high school as Cristobal, made the decision to finish his college career at Indiana. His performance has been stellar, culminating in him winning the Heisman Trophy and positioning himself as a likely top-five pick in the upcoming NFL draft. “Can”t say enough about him,” Cignetti expressed, recognizing Mendoza”s pivotal role in the team”s success.
As the Hoosiers aim for a national title, they seek to replicate the success of Indiana”s 1975-76 basketball team, which achieved an undefeated season under coach Bob Knight. The narrative surrounding Miami”s playoff journey is equally compelling, having faced challenges early in the season. In their initial ranking, the CFP committee placed the Hurricanes significantly behind a Notre Dame team they had already defeated. Miami”s remarkable ascent, including a dramatic comeback against California, has highlighted the committee”s misjudgment.
The stakes are high for both programs, as the College Football Playoff will distribute substantial financial rewards to the Big Ten and Atlantic Coast Conferences for their teams reaching the finals. Indiana will share its earnings across its member institutions, while Miami retains all postseason revenue, thanks to an initiative by the ACC that allows schools to keep the financial benefits from their football and basketball postseason success.
