Former Georgia quarterback and former Clemson Eric Mac Lain have been high on the Canes all year, and they aren't turning back now. Below is a transcript of their discussion.
Aaron Murray:
Emac, I’ve got to say, you were on Miami way before I was. You were down there this summer and you told me, “This team is legit. They’re fast. They’re physical. Carson looks really **** good.” I didn’t fully buy in until about Week 2, but you were there in July. So you’re not surprised Miami’s here, are you?
Eric Mac Lain:
I wouldn’t have been shocked if you told me they made it, but actually seeing it happen still hits. It takes so much to get here. There are only two teams left standing, and the higher you climb, the thinner the air gets.
Miami has had expectations for a decade and usually fallen on their face. So to actually get here — not surprising, but definitely exciting.
And Indiana… I mean, I never would have thought they’d be 15-0, the No. 1 team in the country, murdering people on the way to the national championship. They absolutely demolished Alabama. They might have sent Alabama back 10 or 20 years. Then Oregon. It’s wild.
Aaron Murray:
It really is. And that’s the beauty of the expanded playoff. These two teams earned it.
Look at Miami’s run. They go on the road to Kyle Field in crazy winds and beat A&M. Then Ohio State. Then Ole Miss — who was America’s team with Lane Kiffin and all that energy. That’s a gauntlet.
And Indiana? They curb-stomp Alabama 38-3. Beat Ohio State. Then Oregon. Three of the biggest brands in college football. You embarrassed two of them by 30-plus.
Eric Mac Lain:
And Indiana didn’t do it with five-star rosters. It’s misfits from JMU, Cal, everywhere. Cignetti says “Google me, I win” and he’s done nothing but back it up.
And honestly, him and Mario Cristobal feel the same. They’re robotic. Always what’s next. I wouldn’t be shocked if whoever wins is mad the next day that they lost recruiting time.
Aaron Murray:
So here’s the big question — does Mario have to win this for the “big game decision” narrative to die?
Eric Mac Lain:
No. That died in this playoff run.
Coaches get better. Cristobal has evolved. Hiring Corey Hetherman was a grand slam. Letting Shannon Dawson be Shannon Dawson. Portal evaluation. Malachi Toney. They hit everywhere.
Same thing with Cignetti. These guys are learning and adapting.
Aaron Murray:
Alright, let’s get into the game.
What’s the biggest thing you’re watching?
Eric Mac Lain:
Number one: Miami’s defensive line has to affect Fernando Mendoza. If you let him sit back there, run RPOs, process, extend plays, Miami will lose by 30.
This is the best D-line Indiana has seen. But it’s also the best O-line Miami has seen. That’s a war.
Second thing — Miami has to run the football like they’ve done all postseason. Six-, seven-minute drives. Keep Indiana’s offense on the sideline. But you have to finish those drives with touchdowns.
Indiana’s defense moves more than anybody — stunts, twists, simulated pressures. Miami can’t get greedy. Take what’s there. Move as a unit.
Aaron Murray:
Indiana’s whole offense is built on RPOs. Mendoza reads the box, reads the safety rotation. They’re the No. 1 rushing offense in the Big Ten — 218 yards a game.
If they stay in second-and-seven, third-and-four, Miami’s pass rush disappears.
So Miami has to win first and second down. Their best players are on the defensive line. They need strip sacks, three or four sacks, something game-changing.
Aaron Murray:
What about Carson Beck? What do you need from him?
Eric Mac Lain:
Just play his game.
Don’t go in scared of turnovers. Indiana has a +21 turnover margin. Oregon got crushed because they gave Indiana short fields.
Beck is at his best when he doesn’t force it. Last week against Ole Miss, they ran a play designed to hit a tight end for a touchdown versus quarters. Ole Miss went single-high instead. Carson didn’t force it — he checked it down and moved the chains.
That’s Miami’s DNA. Take the completion. Bleed clock. Be patient.
Aaron Murray:
And Mendoza — pressure, Heisman, No. 1 pick, all of that?
Eric Mac Lain:
We’re past that. He went 14-of-16 with three touchdowns against Alabama. Then 17-of-20 with five touchdowns against Oregon. He doesn’t flinch.
The key is can Miami make him a true drop-back passer.
Aaron Murray:
Trenches — who has the edge?
Eric Mac Lain:
Offensive lines are similar. But defensively, Miami has the edge. Bain and Mesidor, sack production — that’s where the difference might be.
If Miami wins, it’s because of a strip sack, a big hit, something like that.
Aaron Murray:
Alright, predictions.
I’m sticking with Miami. I’ve been on them all year. Indiana could blow someone out, sure — but I’m riding with the Canes.
Eric Mac Lain:
Same. Home stadium. Defensive line. Team of destiny vibes.
I think it comes down to the last drive or a defensive play, but give me the U.
Aaron Murray:
Emac, I’ve got to say, you were on Miami way before I was. You were down there this summer and you told me, “This team is legit. They’re fast. They’re physical. Carson looks really **** good.” I didn’t fully buy in until about Week 2, but you were there in July. So you’re not surprised Miami’s here, are you?
Eric Mac Lain:
I wouldn’t have been shocked if you told me they made it, but actually seeing it happen still hits. It takes so much to get here. There are only two teams left standing, and the higher you climb, the thinner the air gets.
Miami has had expectations for a decade and usually fallen on their face. So to actually get here — not surprising, but definitely exciting.
And Indiana… I mean, I never would have thought they’d be 15-0, the No. 1 team in the country, murdering people on the way to the national championship. They absolutely demolished Alabama. They might have sent Alabama back 10 or 20 years. Then Oregon. It’s wild.
Aaron Murray:
It really is. And that’s the beauty of the expanded playoff. These two teams earned it.
Look at Miami’s run. They go on the road to Kyle Field in crazy winds and beat A&M. Then Ohio State. Then Ole Miss — who was America’s team with Lane Kiffin and all that energy. That’s a gauntlet.
And Indiana? They curb-stomp Alabama 38-3. Beat Ohio State. Then Oregon. Three of the biggest brands in college football. You embarrassed two of them by 30-plus.
Eric Mac Lain:
And Indiana didn’t do it with five-star rosters. It’s misfits from JMU, Cal, everywhere. Cignetti says “Google me, I win” and he’s done nothing but back it up.
And honestly, him and Mario Cristobal feel the same. They’re robotic. Always what’s next. I wouldn’t be shocked if whoever wins is mad the next day that they lost recruiting time.
Aaron Murray:
So here’s the big question — does Mario have to win this for the “big game decision” narrative to die?
Eric Mac Lain:
No. That died in this playoff run.
Coaches get better. Cristobal has evolved. Hiring Corey Hetherman was a grand slam. Letting Shannon Dawson be Shannon Dawson. Portal evaluation. Malachi Toney. They hit everywhere.
Same thing with Cignetti. These guys are learning and adapting.
Aaron Murray:
Alright, let’s get into the game.
What’s the biggest thing you’re watching?
Eric Mac Lain:
Number one: Miami’s defensive line has to affect Fernando Mendoza. If you let him sit back there, run RPOs, process, extend plays, Miami will lose by 30.
This is the best D-line Indiana has seen. But it’s also the best O-line Miami has seen. That’s a war.
Second thing — Miami has to run the football like they’ve done all postseason. Six-, seven-minute drives. Keep Indiana’s offense on the sideline. But you have to finish those drives with touchdowns.
Indiana’s defense moves more than anybody — stunts, twists, simulated pressures. Miami can’t get greedy. Take what’s there. Move as a unit.
Aaron Murray:
Indiana’s whole offense is built on RPOs. Mendoza reads the box, reads the safety rotation. They’re the No. 1 rushing offense in the Big Ten — 218 yards a game.
If they stay in second-and-seven, third-and-four, Miami’s pass rush disappears.
So Miami has to win first and second down. Their best players are on the defensive line. They need strip sacks, three or four sacks, something game-changing.
Aaron Murray:
What about Carson Beck? What do you need from him?
Eric Mac Lain:
Just play his game.
Don’t go in scared of turnovers. Indiana has a +21 turnover margin. Oregon got crushed because they gave Indiana short fields.
Beck is at his best when he doesn’t force it. Last week against Ole Miss, they ran a play designed to hit a tight end for a touchdown versus quarters. Ole Miss went single-high instead. Carson didn’t force it — he checked it down and moved the chains.
That’s Miami’s DNA. Take the completion. Bleed clock. Be patient.
Aaron Murray:
And Mendoza — pressure, Heisman, No. 1 pick, all of that?
Eric Mac Lain:
We’re past that. He went 14-of-16 with three touchdowns against Alabama. Then 17-of-20 with five touchdowns against Oregon. He doesn’t flinch.
The key is can Miami make him a true drop-back passer.
Aaron Murray:
Trenches — who has the edge?
Eric Mac Lain:
Offensive lines are similar. But defensively, Miami has the edge. Bain and Mesidor, sack production — that’s where the difference might be.
If Miami wins, it’s because of a strip sack, a big hit, something like that.
Aaron Murray:
Alright, predictions.
I’m sticking with Miami. I’ve been on them all year. Indiana could blow someone out, sure — but I’m riding with the Canes.
Eric Mac Lain:
Same. Home stadium. Defensive line. Team of destiny vibes.
I think it comes down to the last drive or a defensive play, but give me the U.
(unfortunately).
