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Miami vs. Indiana Preview & Prediction: National Championship Edition
The Miami Hurricanes are here. Against all odds, in arguably the most amazing season in team history, the Canes are playing at home against the undefeated 15–0 #1 Indiana Hoosiers for all the marbles. The Canes survived an instant classic against #6-ranked Ole Miss, while Indiana dismantled #5 Oregon in what is expected to be a heavyweight bout featuring hometown Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza returning home to face his hometown team.
The Canes are on the verge of history and immortality. But in order to reach immortal status, they need to slay the Indiana machine that has seemed unstoppable all season. How can Miami win this game?
KEYS TO WIN:
MIAMI MUST GET TO MENDOZA
For the Canes, it starts with the same formula that made them successful all season: pressure the quarterback. Fernando Mendoza is the Heisman winner, and when he’s comfortable, he carves up defenses by going vertical and quick. Mendoza likes to hold the ball for around three-plus seconds as he looks downfield for the big plays that open up Indiana’s offense.
This means Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor will need to get to Mendoza, sack him, hurry him, and make his life as uncomfortable as possible. Indiana has a very good offensive line—but Notre Dame had a very good offensive line as well. Texas A&M had the best offensive line in the SEC, and Miami’s DL made those lines look mortal.
The Canes will face an Indiana OL that is very good but can be had, as we’ve seen Mendoza has been sacked 22 times this year. In fact, Ohio State—whose trenches are not at Miami’s level—was able to bother Mendoza. Miami will need to repeat that performance.
MIAMI OL MUST IMPOSE ITS WILL
Miami’s offensive line is big, strong, and violent. They average around 330 pounds, while Indiana’s defensive line averages closer to 280. Indiana stunts and plays with speed and great technique, allowing them to get past bigger lines.
But this line is coached by Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal. When Miami’s OL locks in, they look like an NFL-level unit. They need to play disciplined football and avoid putting the offense in third-and-long situations. They must protect Beck and recognize disguised corner and linebacker blitzes that caught Miami off guard against Ole Miss.
If Miami’s OL stays focused, they should be able to run the ball effectively against this smaller defensive line and control the game. I expect a big game from Miami’s tackles, Markel Bell and future first-rounder Francis Mauigoa, as they close out their college careers.
CARSON BECK
For the Canes to win, Carson Beck must play like he has since SMU. Beck has been fantastic over the last eight games and seems to be getting better every week. Against Ohio State, he had the play of the game—a 3rd-and-11 run that changed the momentum and allowed Miami to take control.
In the Fiesta Bowl, Beck engineered two game-winning, championship-caliber drives, culminating in the game-winning touchdown run and an iconic primal scream in the end zone. Beck is as confident as ever and has been playing elite football.
His biggest challenge is not doing too much. He must take what Indiana gives him. He has the advantage in the trenches, a superstar running back in Mark Fletcher, experienced wide receivers, and arguably a top-two WR phenom in Malachi Toney. Don’t force tight windows. Throw the ball away when there’s no daylight. Use your legs when needed.
I believe in Beck, and I see him playing a clean, methodical game similar to the Ohio State performance, where he carved up the Buckeyes.
PROTECT THE BALL
Indiana thrives off turnovers. They lead the nation with 29 takeaways and boast a +21 turnover margin. Indiana allows teams to beat themselves. We saw this against Oregon, as the Ducks spotted Indiana 14 points off turnovers before unraveling.If Miami protects the football, they win.
INDIANA PLAYERS TO WATCH
FERNANDO MENDOZA
The engine that makes Indiana go. The Heisman winner has 42 touchdowns to just six interceptions. Miami must pressure him to win.
D’ANGELO PONDS
A ballhawk and the heart of Indiana’s secondary. Ponds has 55 tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups. He’s always around the ball.
INDIANA WR TRIO
Omar Cooper has produced 866 yards and 13 touchdowns. Elijah Sarratt—arguably their top WR—has been tremendous with 802 yards and 15 touchdowns. Charlie Becker has emerged as a dangerous third option, lethal in 50–50 situations, with 614 yards and four touchdowns.
AIDEN FISHER
The heart of the defense is senior transfer Aiden Fisher. An extremely smart linebacker who often diagnoses plays before they happen. He has 91 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and two interceptions this season.
X-FACTOR
For the Canes, the X-factor is Mark Fletcher. He has been the workhorse throughout this playoff run, rushing for 172, 90, and 133 yards in three playoff games. If Fletcher runs like this, Miami wins.
Fletcher is from South Florida. Expect one of the best performances of his career on 1/19.
PREDICTION
This past year marked the 100th anniversary of the University of Miami. It is only fitting that the season ends with the Canes playing for the national championship.
Miami enters this game with the best and most experienced trenches Indiana has seen. Mesidor and Bain, combined with the interior of Moten, David Blay, and Justin Scott, form an NFL-level defensive line. For all the Big Ten and SEC talk, Miami has dominated both conferences during this playoff run.
Against NFL-caliber talent, Miami has overwhelmed opponents with a generational defensive line and one of the nation’s most violent offensive lines. Miami does not quit. They do not yield like soft teams. They fight every snap.
Indiana has a strong DNA as well—but they haven’t faced a team as big, strong, and battle-tested as Miami. Miami has been in deep waters three times this postseason and responded every time.
Indiana has coasted. They haven’t faced true adversity. On 1/19, they will be punched in the mouth.And I know how Miami responds.Miami will fight to the very end.
I see Miami pulling away in the second half.
The season began with Miami opening at home against a top-10 Indiana-based team. It ends at Hard Rock Stadium with Miami defeating the #1 team in the nation.
Miami is ready.
Miami is here
Spot the ball.
Miami 27
Indiana 13
#CFBPlayoff #NationalChampionship #GoCanes
