College Watch Thread 2025/2026 CFB National Championship Game Thread: Indiana v Miami (Fl)

manxman2601 said:

I think Miami's chances hinge on 3 factors.

1. Getting pressure on Mendoza through Bain and Mesidor

2. Carson Beck protecting the ball. It's something he's been able to do well in the playoffs.

3. Running the ball with Mark Fletcher. He's not a breakaway speed guy but if the Miami OL get to work, he's a very good ball control back.

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TommyD4207 said:

I can't wait to use one of our 6th round picks on him. He reminds me so much of Rhamondre Stevenson.

To me, if Miami can run the ball, and Shannon Dawson doesn't get bored and start calling pass plays (I'd like to see Beck under 30 pass attempts), they'll control the clock and wear out that undersized defensive line.

To me, that's the game.

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manxman2601 said:

It is undersized but very creative and disciplined and the defense as a whole doesn't miss many tackles. Miami will have to bully them.

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ahmed said:

Let's go Miami... purely because Dan Lebatard is my fav podcast lol

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TommyD4207 said:

They will have to.

Indiana hasn't played anyone this big and athletic on both sides of the line, however. Ohio State was really the closest, I suppose. Casual fans just saw blowouts of Alabama and Oregon and just assumed Indiana was going to roll - and they absolutely have an excellent chance to win the game, just on game management alone.

I would be stunned if Miami gets blown out, really, especially at home.

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FreeTedWilliams said:

That's unsurprising

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manxman2601 said:

It's going to come down to how they handle the Indiana passing game - they have three very good WRs - and whether Carson Beck is the playoff Carson Beck or the Louisville game Carson Beck.

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TommyD4207 said:

Considering they changed their offense after Louisville, it will be closer to the former, I'd expect.

We're also going to see how much experience matters in a spot like this. Cristobal and Beck have been on this stage before, Cignetti and Mendoza have not. Will it matter, who knows?

Edit: They have to get through the first half without Lucas, after that insane targeting call. If they can hold on, passing will be a lot tougher for Indiana in the 2nd half.

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manxman2601 said:

I hope Ian doesn't mind but I thought I'd post this in the main forum to give it more visibility ahead of tonight's game.

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