We are less than 7 hours away from Miami's National Championship matchup versus the Indiana Hoosiers. Before the folks at the College GameDay provide their picks, let’s see what other analysts across the college football landscape are saying about Monday's game Hard Rock Stadium.
CBS Sports
The CBS Sports crew is leaning towards Indiana heavily, not even considering Miami winning this. All of the panel of the CBS Sports crew has picked Indiana to win against the Indiana Hoosiers.
USA Today
Here is what USA Today had to say about today's matchup and their predictions:
Matt Hayes
I'm torn by this game. Indiana looks indestructible, but I can't stop thinking about what Miami did to Ohio State: lined up, punched them in the mouth and physically manhandled them. The game is won on the lines of scrimmage, and Miami looks to have the advantage. But the Hoosiers have white-hot QB Fernando Mendoza, and consistently produce breaks and big plays by doing the little things perfectly — so the big things become routine.
Indiana 30, Miami 21.
Jordan Mendoza
Can Indiana complete the dream season? Miami has been able to find ways to win on both sides of the ball during this run, but it needs a complete game in order to stop the Hoosiers. Miami punches first, but it doesn't take long for Indiana to get rolling. The running game takes over and the Hoosiers pull away from the Hurricanes in the second half to cement the greatest turnaround in recent memory with a national championship.
Indiana 38, Miami 23.
Paul Myerberg
There’s a way for Miami to score the upset. But that requires winning in two areas where Indiana never loses: on the line of scrimmage and the turnover margin. While the Hurricanes are playing well on both front, no team has been able to match Indiana’s line play. And no team is better at limiting mistakes than the Hoosiers, who lead the nation in turnover margin per game. This one favors Indiana.
Indiana 34, Miami 17.
Eddie Timanus
Unlike Indiana’s two previous opponents, Miami has the size and personnel to hold its own on both sides of the line of scrimmage. But the Hurricanes will need to have flawless execution, and they won’t be able to do it for a full 60 minutes. The Hoosiers will, and they’ll complete one of the most remarkable turnarounds the sport has witnessed.
Indiana 28, Miami 17.
Bottom line: Again, the four analyst picked Indiana and their high powered defense and offense.
The Athletic
Miami has some votes in here but The Athletics still heavily favors the Hoosiers in this one as the panel has 9-2 Inidana has Sam Khan and Eric Single has the Hurricanes winning.
Bleacher Report
Indiana outscored Oregon 35-7 in the first half of the semifinal. A similar first half performance on Monday could put the Hoosiers in great shape by the third quarter. The Hoosiers must slow down Mark Fletcher, who ran for at least 90 yards in all three of Miami's playoff games. If he gets slowed, Miami has to rely more on Carson Beck's arm. There's more room for mistakes to be made if the Hurricanes have to air it out 30-40 times. Miami can match Indiana play-for-play on defense, but the Hoosiers' deep group of offensive playmakers could be the difference in a tight game.
Prediction: Indiana 20, Miami 13
CBS Sports
The CBS Sports crew is leaning towards Indiana heavily, not even considering Miami winning this. All of the panel of the CBS Sports crew has picked Indiana to win against the Indiana Hoosiers.
USA Today
Here is what USA Today had to say about today's matchup and their predictions:
Matt Hayes
I'm torn by this game. Indiana looks indestructible, but I can't stop thinking about what Miami did to Ohio State: lined up, punched them in the mouth and physically manhandled them. The game is won on the lines of scrimmage, and Miami looks to have the advantage. But the Hoosiers have white-hot QB Fernando Mendoza, and consistently produce breaks and big plays by doing the little things perfectly — so the big things become routine.
Indiana 30, Miami 21.
Jordan Mendoza
Can Indiana complete the dream season? Miami has been able to find ways to win on both sides of the ball during this run, but it needs a complete game in order to stop the Hoosiers. Miami punches first, but it doesn't take long for Indiana to get rolling. The running game takes over and the Hoosiers pull away from the Hurricanes in the second half to cement the greatest turnaround in recent memory with a national championship.
Indiana 38, Miami 23.
Paul Myerberg
There’s a way for Miami to score the upset. But that requires winning in two areas where Indiana never loses: on the line of scrimmage and the turnover margin. While the Hurricanes are playing well on both front, no team has been able to match Indiana’s line play. And no team is better at limiting mistakes than the Hoosiers, who lead the nation in turnover margin per game. This one favors Indiana.
Indiana 34, Miami 17.
Eddie Timanus
Unlike Indiana’s two previous opponents, Miami has the size and personnel to hold its own on both sides of the line of scrimmage. But the Hurricanes will need to have flawless execution, and they won’t be able to do it for a full 60 minutes. The Hoosiers will, and they’ll complete one of the most remarkable turnarounds the sport has witnessed.
Indiana 28, Miami 17.
Bottom line: Again, the four analyst picked Indiana and their high powered defense and offense.
ESPN Matchup Predictor
The Athletic
Miami has some votes in here but The Athletics still heavily favors the Hoosiers in this one as the panel has 9-2 Inidana has Sam Khan and Eric Single has the Hurricanes winning.
Bleacher Report
Indiana outscored Oregon 35-7 in the first half of the semifinal. A similar first half performance on Monday could put the Hoosiers in great shape by the third quarter. The Hoosiers must slow down Mark Fletcher, who ran for at least 90 yards in all three of Miami's playoff games. If he gets slowed, Miami has to rely more on Carson Beck's arm. There's more room for mistakes to be made if the Hurricanes have to air it out 30-40 times. Miami can match Indiana play-for-play on defense, but the Hoosiers' deep group of offensive playmakers could be the difference in a tight game.
Prediction: Indiana 20, Miami 13