- The Hoosiers and Hurricanes have only played each other twice before, both times in the 1960s.
- Indiana is considered to have the advantage in most position matchups, including quarterback and coaching.
- Miami’s defensive line, led by projected top NFL draft picks Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, is a key strength.
The matchup between Indiana and Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game wasn’t something expected in the preseason or even when both teams started their postseason journeys. But the Hoosiers and Hurricanes arrive Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium confident they’ll be the ones celebrating at the end of 60 minutes.
If you’re looking for some historical component to the game, there’s little to go on. The lone two meetings between the schools came in the 1960s. And the Big Ten and ACC have never met in a title game during the CFP era.
However, there is some recent history between Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Miami. Mendoza played for California when the Golden Bears fell to the Hurricanes in a dramatic finish.
So how do the teams stack up against each other? We break down the matchups.
QB
Indiana: Fernando Mendoza
Miami: Carson Beck
Mendoza surpassed all reasonable expectations with a season that saw him win the Heisman Trophy and then follow that up with two ruthlessly efficient performances in the playoff. Beck also made a big impact in his first year on a new team, giving Miami stability at the position. He has been turnover-prone at times, but mostly avoided miscues in the playoff run.
RB
Indiana: Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black
Miami: Mark Fletcher and Charmar Brown
What gives Indiana the advantage at this position is the versatility of having Black and Hemby to share carries and wear down the Hurricanes defense. They’re physical runners that don’t try to do more than they play allows, leading to few negative plays. Fletcher might be the best back of the group, and he’s been outstanding in the playoff with 395 yards in three games. But there’s a big drop off to Brown, who mostly is a short-yardage option.
EDGE: Indiana
WR and TE
Indiana: Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper Jr., Charlie Becker and Riley Nowakowski
Miami: Malachi Toney, Keelan Marion and CJ Daniels
Another situation where the depth of Indiana gives them a slight advantage. Sarratt is a big target who can make contested catches, and Cooper has provided some clutch contributions as the team’s leader with 866 yards. They’ve combined for 28 of Mendoza’s 41 touchdown passes. Becker is a big-play guy that has provided knockout punches getting behind defenses. For Miami, Toney was a revelation as a freshman with his ability to turn short passes into large gains. Marion was outstanding in the Fiesta Bowl against Mississippi, which is the No. 2 option the Hurricanes need, especially with starting tight end Elija Lofton out.
EDGE: Indiana.
OL
Indiana: Pat Coogan, Carter Smith, Bray Lynch, Drew Evans, Khalil Benson
Miami: Markel Bell, Matthew McCoy, James Brockermeyer, Anez Cooper, Francis Mauigoa
Another close call that goes the way of the Hoosiers. Indiana’s group has proven itself against some of the best defensive lines in the country while leading a running game that averages 5.2 yards per carry. Miami’s Francis Mauigoa is one of the best left tackles in the country and leads a unit that has allowed just 19 sacks in 15 games.
EDGE: Indiana
DL
Indiana: Mikail Kamara, Mario Landino, Tyrique Tucker, Hosea Wheeler, Daniel Ndukwe
Miami: Rueben Bain, Akheem Mesidor, Ahmad Moten, David Blay
Bain and Mesidor are two of the best defenders in the country and are projected to be among the top picks in the first round of the NFL draft in April. The duo has combined for 19 sacks and will be difficult to contain. Indiana lacks a superstar, though Tucker was a first-team Big Ten selection, but gets contributions from everyone to create a solid group.
EDGE: Miami
LB
Indiana: Aiden Fisher, Isaiah Jones and Rolijah Hardy
Miami: Mohamed Toure, Wesley Bissainthe and Raul Aguirre Jr.
Fisher and Hardy were two of the best performers in the Big Ten with each totaling more than 90 tackles. Jones and Hardy — with 8 and 7 sacks, respectively — are also able to get after the quarterback. Toure, the leading tackler for Miami, was huge difference in his first year after transferring from Rutgers. Bissainthe is a key veteran presence that can make plays all over the field.
EDGE: Indiana
DB
Indiana: D’Angelo Ponds, Jamari Sharpe, Louis Moore, Amare Ferrell and Devan Boykin
Miami: Keionte Scott, Zechariah Poyser, Xavier Lucas, Bryce Fitzgerald and Jakobe Thomas
Ponds is a lock-down corner and Moore added six interceptions from his safety spot. Both were all-Big Ten selections. Ferrell plays alongside Moore and is also opportunistic. Miami also has a strong group with Thomas the team’s leading tackler who makes plays rushing the passer and defending the pass. Fitzgerald was one of best freshmen in the country with six interceptions, including the game-clincher against Texas A&M in the first round.
EDGE: Indiana
SPECIAL TEAMS
Nico Radicic (K), vs Carter Davis (K)
Radicic has only missed one kick all season, but has only attempted 17 field goals — all from inside the 50 yards. Davis has a strong leg with six makes beyond 50 yards, but he’s had four misses in the three playoff games.
EDGE: Indiana.
COACHING
Curt Cignetti vs Mario Cristobal
Cignetti is on the verge of completing one of the great coaching jobs in college football history by leading the Hoosiers to a national title in his second season. Indiana plays with unique discipline and minimizes mistakes, which is a tribute to their coach. Cristobal had a spotty record with some curious coaching decisions in losses prior to this season. But his rebuilding job with the Hurricanes shouldn’t be overlooked, and he’s been mostly pushing the right buttons this season.
EDGE: Indiana
When is CFP national championship game? Indiana vs Miami start time
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Date: Monday, Jan. 19
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)
The CFP national championship game between Indiana and Miami will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
