CFP National Championship: History Made in Bloomington
CFP National Championship: History Made in Bloomington
#10 Miami 21 - #1 Indiana 27
One of the most historic programs in the country with five national titles faced off against one of the most historically losing programs on the biggest stage in college football. It turned into a classic in South Florida as the Indiana Hoosiers, led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, lifted the trophy in the end. This game was all defense early on. The Hurricanes managed only one first down on their first four drives of the game. The red hot Hoosier offense was also slowed early, but ended the half with a huge touchdown to take a 10-0 lead heading into the locker room. It felt like Indiana was in control, but Miami opened the second half with a quick defensive stop and then a 57 yard touchdown run by Mark Fletcher Jr., putting the Hurricanes right back in the mix. The end of the game turned into a back and forth clash, starting with the biggest play of the night as the Hoosiers blocked a punt that resulted in a touchdown. The score moved to 17-7 and Miami had little momentum, but Carson Beck made several crucial throws as the Hurricanes cut the lead back to three with a score. Then came the best play in Indiana football history with Fernando Mendoza’s fourth down touchdown run. The play perfectly represented who Mendoza was and what he has been able to do all season. Once again though, Miami answered quickly with a Malachi Toney touchdown to stay alive. The true freshman had an incredible night with 10 catches for 122 yards and a touchdown. The ball was once again in Mendoza’s hands as Indiana marched down the field, highlighted by an incredible catch from Charlie Becker. It was second and one in the red zone and all the Hoosiers needed was a first down, but a false start forced them to settle for a field goal, taking a six point lead and giving Miami one final chance. In the semifinals Carson Beck had been in a similar situation and delivered, but not on Monday night. The Hurricanes moved the ball to the Indiana 41, but Beck threw a pass directly into the hands of Hoosiers defensive back Jamari Sharpe, sealing the game. It was a rough ending to Beck’s college career, but still a great season for the former Georgia Bulldog. This was an absolute heartbreaker for Miami, considering they played well enough to win but were undone by crucial mistakes, including penalties, turnovers, and most of all special teams. For Indiana, the late false start nearly became one of the biggest mistakes in program history, but their defense rose to the occasion. Finally, college football fans were treated to an incredible championship game, the first one score national title game since the 2017 season. The fourth quarter will go down as one of the best in national championship history. With a perfect 16-0 record, Indiana completed the most historic single seasons college football has ever seen. Just two years ago in 2023, the Hoosiers finished 3-9 with only one Big Ten win. Curt Cignetti has quickly established himself as one of the best coaches of all time, and as long as he remains in Bloomington, Indiana will be a contender. The offseason now begins as the Indiana Hoosiers close the year as the 2025 National Champions.
Dawgbone Jr (aka Bennett Wiggins)