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Indiana tops Miami to win historical CFP National title originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Indiana Hoosiers completed a historic season on Monday night, knocking off Miami to capture the College Football Playoff national championship and their first national title in program history.
Monday's win over Miami places the Hoosiers among just a handful of major college football teams to finish 16-0, capping a stunning turnaround under second-year coach Curt Cignetti.
Indiana captures first CFP National title over Miami
Indiana entered the night with a perfect 15-0 record and finished with a 16-0 mark, securing the school's first-ever national championship. They defeated Miami in the first-ever de facto home title game at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, which serves as the Hurricanes' home field.
Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza once again led the offense after an outstanding season in which he threw for more than 40 touchdown passes. Under head coach Frank Cignetti, Indiana improved to 19-0 when holding opponents to 14 points or fewer, a defensive benchmark that contributed significantly to their championship push. Mendoza finished off with 186 passing yards, but what stood out to many was his fourth-and-four run late in the fourth quarter.
Indiana’s defense dictated the early tempo, holding Miami and quarterback Carson Beck to just 18 total yards in the first quarter. The Hurricanes faltered on offense, finishing 0-for-7 on third downs. The Hoosiers controlled field position and possession, building a double-digit halftime lead behind a balanced strategy and Mendoza’s sharp passing.
Building on this strong first half, the fourth quarter offered Miami an opportunity to mount a comeback, but its efforts ultimately fell short. Indiana intercepted a last-minute pass with less than a minute remaining, sealing the victory.
More CFP National Championship news:
- SNL pokes fun at Michael Irvin's amped up Miami Hurricanes fandom
- Miami hasn’t beaten a No. 1 team in 26 years— Indiana stands in the way
- Indiana's Curt Cignetti means business ahead of title game
- Here's how much Miami is paying its 2025 roster for College Football Playoff run
- Carson Beck shares honest reaction to 'Vanilla Vick' nickname
- National Championship parking prices are so high, getting towed costs less
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