Miami Hurricanes and Indiana Hoosiers are set to face off in a College Football Playoff final on January 19, in what is being billed as one of the most unlikely championship matchups in recent history.
Two months ago, this matchup seemed like a pipe dream, but after a remarkable turnaround by both teams, it's now a reality. The Hoosiers, led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, cruised past Oregon 56-22 to secure their spot in the final. Meanwhile, Miami, seeded 10th and considered an underdog by many, pulled off a stunning upset over Mississippi 31-27.
Indiana's rise to the top has been nothing short of astonishing, with coach Curt Cignetti at the helm since December 2023. The former James Madison headman declared his confidence in winning from the start, and it seems he was right. Mendoza, who transferred to Indiana from Miami, is now set to face off against his alma mater.
For Miami, this game represents a homecoming of sorts for quarterback Carson Beck, who has thrown for 15 touchdowns and two interceptions over a seven-game winning streak. Coach Mario Cristobal, a local boy and former 'Cane himself, has been instrumental in luring Beck back to the program, and now he's set to lead his team against Mendoza.
This game is also one of redemption for Indiana, which had a nation-leading 713 losses over 130-plus years heading into the 2024 season. The Hoosiers have won just two games since Cignetti took over, but this turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable.
The matchup between these two teams may not have seemed likely two months ago, but one thing is certain - both programs are hungry for victory and eager to bring home a national title.
Two months ago, this matchup seemed like a pipe dream, but after a remarkable turnaround by both teams, it's now a reality. The Hoosiers, led by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, cruised past Oregon 56-22 to secure their spot in the final. Meanwhile, Miami, seeded 10th and considered an underdog by many, pulled off a stunning upset over Mississippi 31-27.
Indiana's rise to the top has been nothing short of astonishing, with coach Curt Cignetti at the helm since December 2023. The former James Madison headman declared his confidence in winning from the start, and it seems he was right. Mendoza, who transferred to Indiana from Miami, is now set to face off against his alma mater.
For Miami, this game represents a homecoming of sorts for quarterback Carson Beck, who has thrown for 15 touchdowns and two interceptions over a seven-game winning streak. Coach Mario Cristobal, a local boy and former 'Cane himself, has been instrumental in luring Beck back to the program, and now he's set to lead his team against Mendoza.
This game is also one of redemption for Indiana, which had a nation-leading 713 losses over 130-plus years heading into the 2024 season. The Hoosiers have won just two games since Cignetti took over, but this turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable.
The matchup between these two teams may not have seemed likely two months ago, but one thing is certain - both programs are hungry for victory and eager to bring home a national title.
I'm so hyped about this College Football Playoff final on January 19! The Miami Hurricanes vs Indiana Hoosiers matchup has me on the edge of my seat 
. Both teams have had an insane turnaround, and it's amazing to see how far Indiana has come under Coach Cignetti. That 56-22 win over Oregon? Mind blown 
!
The College Football Playoff final match-up between Miami Hurricanes and Indiana Hoosiers is an ultimate test of resilience & determination! Both teams have faced incredible challenges, but it's how they respond that matters 
. Can Indiana's remarkable turnaround continue? Will Miami's underdog spirit carry them to victory? The world will be watching on Jan 19! 
. I'm also curious to see how Fernando Mendoza will perform against his old team – will he be able to take down the 'Cane in front of his alma mater? 
indiana hoosiers vs miami hurricanes in the college football playoff final?? i've been following both teams all season & i gotta say, indiana's turnaround is literally insane!! 
as for miami, carson beck is killing it out there! 
and that miami team is on fire 
And Miami, the underdogs, coming back from all those losses to even get here. It's crazy! Coach Cignetti did an amazing job turning their season around...like 10 wins or something?! 
i'm thinking miami's got the edge with carson beck on fire 
if they can pull it off, it'll be a huge upset 
Carson Beck's comeback story is amazing 
. Meanwhile, Indiana's journey from 713 losses to this point is just mind-blowing 
. This game is gonna be a real nail-biter, with both teams giving it their all 
... like, how did they go from 713 losses in 130+ years to the CFP final? And now Mendoza has to face off against his former team? Talk about pressure. Miami is already an underdog, and now they gotta deal with a revenge storyline too? 
.
Indiana's turnaround has been insane, and I love that Coach Cignetti is riding high on confidence. 
. This homecoming for him could be a momentum-booster. But let's not forget that Indiana's history is littered with losses – 713 of 'em! 
It'll be interesting to see how this game plays out, but I'm all in for an epic showdown between these two teams. 
. It'll be wild seeing Mendoza face off against his old teammate... will it be a clash of egos or a battle for bragging rights? 
Either way, I'm here for it!