Indiana has completed the greatest turnaround in college football: from years upon years of losing seasons to winning the national championship on Monday as they wrapped up an undefeated season.
The Hoosiers kept the Hurricanes scoreless throughout the first half of the championship game, with Indiana going into the locker room at halftime with a 10-0 lead. With not much time left in the second quarter, Miami had lined up for a field goal, but the kick was doinked into the uprights and didn’t go in.
In the first half, both teams’ defenses looked very solid. Indiana’s defense was able to shut out the Hurricanes, while the Miami pass rush was getting to quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Miami didn’t waste much time in the second half, though, as star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. broke free for a 57-yard touchdown early into the third quarter. Miami had struggled early in the run game, but this touchdown gave them new life.
But Indiana answered after a blocked Miami punt was taken back to the end zone for a touchdown, making the score 17-7 at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter started with a bang, as Miami’s Fletcher ran in another touchdown, this one from three yards out. After a stagnant first half, the Miami run game had finally found its rhythm.
However, Indiana was able to score right back after a risky fourth-down call by Coach Curt Cignetti resulted in a Mendoza rushing touchdown. The Hoosiers only needed a first down, but Mendoza fought his way into the end zone to give the Hoosiers a 10-point lead.
Miami didn’t give up, though, as quarterback Carson Beck zipped a pass to receiver Malachi Toney for a 22-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 21-24. After an Indiana field goal, Miami was down by six with a minute left on the clock.
Miami drove all the way down into Indiana territory until a Carson Beck interception sealed the Hurricanes’ fate. Mendoza kneeled the ball twice to cap off an impressive Indiana season.
The national championship victory marks the end of Indiana’s legendary season and the incredible turnaround of the program. To go from finishing last in the Big Ten standings many times to winning their first national championship speaks wonders about the growth of the program.
Cignetti has plenty to do with that, as he is an acclaimed coach that brought life into the program. He did a great job developing players, as well as bringing in talent via the transfer portal, Mendoza, the Heisman winner.
Indiana’s turnaround and the ensuing national championship victory will be remembered for many years.
