The Indiana Hoosiers were one of the worst major-conference NCAA football programs for decades before a brash and confident coaching lifer took over prior to the 2024 season.
Curt "I win. Google me" Cignetti has turned the Hoosiers into a huge winner in two short years. Now, he has Indiana just one win away from completing one of the most improbable stories in recent North American sports history — a national football title and a perfect season.
It won't be easy. The Hoosiers (15-0) face a true road game in Monday's College Football Playoff championship game as they take on the Miami Hurricanes (13-2), who have taken their own wild journey to this point, at their home stadium.
Here's a look at the title tilt:
The line
Indiana was listed as an 8.5-point favourite on Sunday at BetMGM.
Road to the final
Top-seeded Indiana got a first-round CFP bye before crushing No. 9 Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl and hammering No. 5 and Big Ten rival Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl.
No. 10 Miami got the final at-large spot in the 12-team field in a controversial decision, overtaking Notre Dame in the final rankings after being placed behind the Fighting Irish in all the CFP rankings before that. The Hurricanes edged host and No. 7 Texas A&M 10-3 in the first round, then beat No. 2 and reigning national champ Ohio State 24-14 in the Sugar Bowl and No. 6 Ole Miss 31-27 in a thrilling Cotton Bowl.
Head to head
The teams are 1-1 all-time, with both previous games taking place at the old Orange Bowl in the 1960s.
The coaches
Cignetti, 64, was hired by Indiana after huge success in lower conferences and levels. He went to work in the transfer portal, taking several of his players from James Madison with him and finding immediate success despite a lack of five-star recruits. Last season, he got Canadian quarterback Kurtis Rourke from Ohio en route to a CFP appearance. This year, it's been even better with Cal transfer QB Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner.
Miami's Mario Cristobal returned to his alma mater ahead of the 2022 season after a four-year run at Oregon. The Hurricanes have improved each season under Cristobal, though they appeared to be in danger of missing the CFP following two mid-season losses in conference play. Miami responded with convincing wins in its final four regular-season games, doing just enough to get playoff life.
History 101
The Hoosiers were an afterthought in Big Ten football before Cignetti took over. Indiana was best known for having the most all-time losses of any FBS program. A win over Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game this year gave Indiana its first conference title since 1967 (maybe this is good karma for a certain Canadian hockey team?).
The Hurricanes (better known as 'The U') were one of the storied programs in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s before taking a steady downturn. Miami's last national title and fifth overall was in 2001 and its last conference title was in 2003 when the Hurricanes played in the Big East.
The quarterbacks
Mendoza (73-per-cent completion percentage, 41 touchdown passes, six interceptions) has thrived under Cignetti, becoming a very deserving Heisman winner. He's now in the running to go first overall in the NFL Draft, easily the top quarterback available in this class. But first, the Miami native gets to play in a national championship game at home. It's also a chance for revenge. Last year while at Cal, Mendoza's team blew a 25-point lead and lost 39-38 to Miami.
Carson Beck committed to Miami for his final season after suffering a season-ending elbow injury at Georgia last year before the CFP. He threw a career-best 29 touchdown passes this season.
On offence
Mendoza has a stellar offensive line protecting him, led by standout centre Pat Coogan and tackle Carter Smith. Indiana has a balanced and deep attack, achieving success both through the run and pass. Roman Hemby (1,060 rushing yards) and Kaelon Black (960 rushing yards) both are effective out of the backfield. Elijah Sarratt (15 touchdowns) and Omar Cooper Jr. (13 TDs) are Mendoza's top targets.
Miami also has an excellent O-line, featuring Francis Mauigoa and James Brockermeyer. The home side's most dangerous receiver in the game is Malachi Toney (1,089 yards, 11 touchdowns), and Beck will need to hit him on some splash plays to have a chance at an upset. Miami's Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for 1,080 yards and 10 touchdowns.
On defence
Indiana can get after the quarterback, including five sacks on Ohio State's Julian Sayin in the Big Ten title game. The Hoosiers also are at their best with their backs against the wall, leading the country in red-zone touchdown percentage. Indiana is second in the country in run defence. Star linebacker Aiden Fisher, a James Madison transfer, anchors the unit.
The Hurricanes feature the best defensive-end pairing in the country with Ottawa's Akheem Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr. Mesidor, after some injuries and switching positions from defensive tackle to the end, has stepped up in a huge way in his final college season and could be a first-round pick in this year's NFL Draft. The two players have combined for 19 sacks this season and the Hurriances lead the country in overall sacks. Mendoza has been sacked 22 times, so it's possible to get to him. That will be a huge key for Miami.
