MIAMI, Jan. 19 (UPI) — MiamiS aggressive defensive line play will be crucial too disrupting Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, potentially giving teh Hurricanes an upset chance in Monday’s college football championship game.
Mendoza and the top-ranked Hoosiers are 8 1/2-point favorites to win their first national title and complete an undefeated season. The game will be played at 7:30 p.m. EST in Miami Gardens, Fla.
The College Football Playoff national title game will air on ESPN.
“A huge challenge against a great Miami team,” Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti told reporters. “Very extraordinary, really in all three phases. A lot of athletic players playing fast, playing with a nasty edge.”
As of Friday afternoon,the least expensive tickets were listed for around $3,500 on the secondary market,making this one of the most expensive college football championship games in history.
The matchup features a compelling narrative: a Heisman-winning hometown hero in Mendoza facing his childhood team,alongside other stars who justify the high ticket prices and draw television viewers.
Mendoza’s Hoosiers dominated opponents throughout the season leading up to Hard Rock Stadium. The Hurricanes (13-2) started the season 6-2 but finished strong with four consecutive wins, earning the No. 10 seed in the 12-team playoff field.
As then, Miami has relied on its physicality on both the offensive and defensive lines to overcome opponents and advance to the championship game.
“I think it’s a process and a recipe that has stood the test of time,” Hurricanes coach Mario Cristobal saeid. “Hard work, great people, relentless effort.I think that’s an undefeated combination.”
Defensive ends Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor have combined for 19 sacks, including 7 1/2 in the playoff. Their disruptive play will be key to unsettling Mendoza and potentially forcing turnovers.
Mendoza, projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft,led college football with 41 passing touchdowns and only six interceptions this season,with just one turnover in the playoff.
“I would say it all goes to the offensive line,” Mendoza said. “Without those guys,I wouldn’t be able to do it.With them, I’m able to get through my entire progression. Read 1 through read 5 or 6, I’m able to get through it, have time to get through it, and just check it down. I think that’s why my completion percentage has been so high as I haven’t really had to throw the ball away much just becuase they’ve been efficient up front.”
Mendoza will be protected by standout tackle Carter Smith, and will target top receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr.
Hurricanes cornerbacks Keionte Scott and Ethan O’Connor will be responsible for containing the Hoosiers’ passing attack. That secondary could be a bit w
