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

[manxman2601]

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.

 

[ahmed]

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

 

[manxman2601]

One of the big battles to watch out for is Miami edges Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor versus Indiana LT Carter Smith.

Mesidor and Smith are very popular in the draft forum as potential Patriots picks.

Miami nickel/safety Keionte Scott is also very popular. Think Kyle Hamilton though sadly in a nickel corner's body. He's very aggressive behind the line of scrimmage.

 

[fnordcircle]

I wish the Jets had the #1OA pick so I could get a head start on ****ing hating Mendoza.

 

[manxman2601]

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.

 

[TommyD4207]

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.

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.

 

[manxman2601]

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.

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.

 

[gtfanboy]

I am a South florida boy and nothing I would like more than THE U comjng back...

But that Indiana coach is a pyscho and think he has them prepped...

Miami needs to keep the game super close and then pull off something in Q4

 

[TommyD4207]

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.

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.

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

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

That's unsurprising

 

[TinhWoodhead]

In a couple years this game will be play at the end of January

 

[Ras-IR Dowling]

If Indiana plays like they have the last 2 games it should be a comfortable win.

 

[manxman2601]

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.

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.

 

[ahmed]

That's unsurprising

How so?

 

[TommyD4207]

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.

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.

 

[manxman2601]

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.

I have no favourite tonight. I've enjoyed Miami all season but kind of want Indiana to win just for the story. However, best of luck to you tonight.

 

[Halifax_Pats_Fan]

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.

We are all football fans! I think Miami is in tough tonight...

 

[FreeTedWilliams]

Indiana CB Ponds is a legitimate NFL prospect, makes a ton of plays

 

[Sect140]

In the pregame Saban picked Miami.

 

[sb1]

Feels like Mendoza would be lethal as a 49er under Shanahan’s system