Indiana Wins College Football National Championship in Thriller Over Miami

President Donald Trump, accompanied by Ivanka and Kai, was in attendance at the College Football National Championship where history was made. For the first time in program history, the Indiana Hoosiers have been crowned college football national champions.

The Hoosiers overcame the Miami Hurricanes in an absolute thriller, sealing a 27-21 victory to complete their undefeated season under the leadership of head coach Curt Cignetti.

From the outset, Indiana’s defense proved to be a formidable force, making life incredibly difficult for Carson Beck and the Hurricanes’ offense. Miami didn't register a first down until their final possession of the first half, a testament to Indiana’s defensive prowess.

Conversely, Miami’s defense did an admirable job containing Indiana's explosive offense, limiting them to just a field goal in the opening quarter. However, Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza orchestrated a methodical 14-play, 85-yard drive, culminating in Riley Nowakowski scoring the game’s first touchdown from the one-yard line, giving Indiana a 10-0 lead. This was Nowakowski's second rush attempt all season, highlighting a perfectly executed play call.

As halftime approached, Miami sought to get on the scoreboard but a 50-yard field goal attempt by Carter Davis hit the upright, leaving them scoreless despite a pseudo-home-field advantage at Hard Rock Stadium.

The second half, however, ignited with fireworks. Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. found a crucial crease, breaking away for a spectacular 57-yard touchdown run that energized the Hurricanes’ sideline and their fans. This brought the score to 10-7, injecting new momentum into the game.

Indiana responded not with offense, but through special teams. After forcing a three-and-out, the Hoosiers broke through on a punt attempt, blocking it near the goal line. Linebacker Isaiah Jones recovered the loose ball for a touchdown, pushing Indiana's lead to 17-7 with just over five minutes remaining in the third quarter.

But Miami had the right response, as this back-and-forth on the scoreboard made the game much more suspenseful. Fletcher Jr. powered his way into the end zone once more, capping an 81-yard drive at the beginning of the fourth quarter, reducing the deficit and intensifying the suspense.

A pivotal moment came on Indiana's subsequent drive. Coach Cignetti made a bold decision to go for it twice on fourth down, including a fourth-and-5 from Miami’s 12-yard line. Heisman winner Mendoza was entrusted with the play call – a delayed draw. Mendoza not only gained the first down but fought off multiple tackles, launching himself across the goal line for a hard-fought 12-yard touchdown run, re-establishing a 24-14 lead.

True to the game’s back-and-forth nature, Miami retaliated. Freshman sensation Malachi Toney spearheaded a quick drive, highlighted by a 41-yard catch-and-run and a subsequent 22-yard touchdown run, keeping the Hurricanes in hot pursuit.

With Miami breathing down their necks, Mendoza and Indiana's offense aimed to seal the national title. A crucial back-shoulder catch by Charlie Becker on third-and-7 kept a promising drive alive. However, a critical false start penalty in the red zone pushed them back, leading to a field goal instead of a touchdown, bringing the score to 27-21.

Miami, with an opportunity to win, benefited from a roughing the passer penalty that rescued them from a third-and-15 situation. Beck moved the ball across midfield, but his crucial blunder – an underthrown pass – was perfectly read and intercepted by Jamari Sharpe. With 44 seconds left and no Miami timeouts, Sharpe’s interception cemented Indiana’s historic national title.

In the box score, Mendoza completed 16 of 27 passes for 186 yards and added a rushing touchdown. Omar Cooper Jr. led Indiana receivers with 71 yards, while Kaelon Black had 79 rushing yards. For Miami, Beck threw for 232 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Toney had 10 catches for 122 yards and a score, while Fletcher Jr. rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns.

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