Miami and Indiana have secured a spot in the College Football Playoff final, defying expectations that this matchup was once deemed impossible. The Hoosiers, seeded number one in the 12-team tournament, trounced Oregon 56-22 last Friday to secure their place in the championship game, while Miami, seeded tenth as an at-large team, edged out Mississippi 31-27 the night before.
For Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who grew up less than a mile from Miami's campus and is a native of South Florida, this title game holds a special significance. "It means a little bit more to me," he stated, highlighting his homecoming. The young signal-caller will be going head-to-head against the legendary program known as "The U."
Miami's resurgence under coach Mario Cristobal has been nothing short of remarkable. After returning to his alma mater four years ago, Cristobal led the team back into contention, securing victories over top opponents and sparking a winning streak that now stands at seven games. Quarterback Carson Beck, who joined Miami in 2023, continues to round out his form after an injury-plagued season, throwing for 15 touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Hurricanes' rise from obscurity to the edge of a national title is nothing short of remarkable. Coach Curt Cignetti's arrival last year marked a turning point for Indiana, which had previously suffered over 700 losses in its 130-year history. Mendoza, who chose Indiana as his final destination and won the Heisman Trophy, has been instrumental in the team's success.
The College Football Playoff selection committee's initial rankings were widely criticized for their inaccuracy, with Miami being ranked eight spots behind Notre Dame when they actually beat them to start the season. The Hurricanes' path to the championship game is a testament to their perseverance and determination.
As the stage is set for Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida – a venue that has become synonymous with Miami football – this matchup promises to be an instant classic. With two programs with rich histories and contrasting styles, this final showdown will be one to remember.
For Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who grew up less than a mile from Miami's campus and is a native of South Florida, this title game holds a special significance. "It means a little bit more to me," he stated, highlighting his homecoming. The young signal-caller will be going head-to-head against the legendary program known as "The U."
Miami's resurgence under coach Mario Cristobal has been nothing short of remarkable. After returning to his alma mater four years ago, Cristobal led the team back into contention, securing victories over top opponents and sparking a winning streak that now stands at seven games. Quarterback Carson Beck, who joined Miami in 2023, continues to round out his form after an injury-plagued season, throwing for 15 touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Hurricanes' rise from obscurity to the edge of a national title is nothing short of remarkable. Coach Curt Cignetti's arrival last year marked a turning point for Indiana, which had previously suffered over 700 losses in its 130-year history. Mendoza, who chose Indiana as his final destination and won the Heisman Trophy, has been instrumental in the team's success.
The College Football Playoff selection committee's initial rankings were widely criticized for their inaccuracy, with Miami being ranked eight spots behind Notre Dame when they actually beat them to start the season. The Hurricanes' path to the championship game is a testament to their perseverance and determination.
As the stage is set for Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida – a venue that has become synonymous with Miami football – this matchup promises to be an instant classic. With two programs with rich histories and contrasting styles, this final showdown will be one to remember.
! I mean, who would've thought Indiana and Miami would make it to the finals? The Hoosiers' win over Oregon was absolute domination 
, and now they're facing off against "The U" in what promises to be an epic battle. Mendoza's got that special significance going on, being from South Florida and all 
, but let's not sleep on Miami – Cristobal's done an incredible job turning the team around, especially after his return last year 
. The Hurricanes' rise is a testament to their hard work and perseverance 
. This final showdown at Hard Rock Stadium is gonna be one for the books 
!
! Indiana's got the momentum on their side after trouncing Oregon 
, and Miami's confidence is sky-high after edging out Mississippi 
, especially with Fernando Mendoza leading the charge 
. This game is all about pride - for Indy, it's a homecoming, while Miami's got "The U" on their shoulders 
. Can't wait to see these two powerhouses clash 
. Fernando Mendoza is all good about it or whatever, but let's be real, this whole thing is just a big mess 
.
). He just chose Indiana as his final destination because... reasons? And now we're supposed to get all sentimental about it? No thanks 
. Give me a break.
. They've got a new coach and quarterback, and they're killing it. But can the committee not mess up their own rankings for once? It's like they don't even know what they're doing 
. And Indiana... yeah, let's just forget about them 
.
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. And let's be real, Coach Cristobal has Miami looking like a force to be reckoned with 
. I love how this game is shaping up to be an instant classic 
! Can't wait for the Hard Rock Stadium to be electric and the energy to be palpable 
. My kid's been following Indiana all season and they're super stoked, but I'm a Miami fan at heart 
. Bring on the action and let's see which team comes out on top 
. And can we talk about Miami's comeback story? From being ranked 8 spots behind Notre Dame to making it all the way to the championship game? That's what makes sports so exciting 
! They've worked so hard to get here and it's going to be an instant classic when they play Indiana at Hard Rock Stadium.
The committee's initial rankings were pretty laughable, especially considering Miami's dominance over Notre Dame 
. The stage is set for an epic battle, and I'm hyped to see how it all plays out 
!
And Coach Cristobal's resurgence with Miami is straight fire 
And Carson Beck finally getting his form back after a tough injury-plagued season, it's gonna be great to see him shine. 
Indiana vs Miami in the College Football Playoff final? This is going to be something special, folks... don't miss it! 
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. However, Indiana's path to the championship game was a bit of a lucky ride, given their initial rankings were way off 
. Miami has been through some tough games and has proven they can handle pressure, while Indiana is still building up their win column. Will they be able to hold their own against a more established program? 
but he's come so far now, 15 touchdowns is no joke 
. The Hoosiers' coach Curt Cignetti made a huge impact last year, it'll be interesting to see if Indiana can continue their winning streak 
. Can't wait to see what goes down at Hard Rock Stadium - it's gonna be a wild ride! 
carson beck and fernando mendosa are about to go head-to-head in an instant classic