Indiana captures first national championship with thrilling 27-21 victory over Miami
By David Wasson
Published:
The Indiana Hoosiers capped a perfect season Monday night in a thrilling back-and-forth test against the Miami Hurricanes, earning a 27-21 victory to win the College Football Playoff national championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Indiana (16-0) capped a magical two-year run under coach Curt Cignetti by hoisting the gold CFP trophy while crimson-and-cream confetti rained down from the rafters of the home of the Hurricanes – who were attempting to win a sixth national title and first since 2001.
“Lemme tell you, we won the national championship at Indiana University,” Cignetti said to ESPN immediately after the game. “It can be done!”
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a little-known transfer from Cal who captured the nation’s interest as well as the Hoosiers’ first Heisman Trophy, scrambled for an electrifying 12-yard touchdown pass midway through the fourth quarter to make it 24-14. The Hurricanes motored right back down the field to pull within 3 points via a 22-yard touchdown pass from Carson Beck to Malachi Toney.
Indiana promptly embarked on an 11-play, 58-yard drive that ate up 4:55 of game clock and was capped by a 35-yard Nicolas Radicic field goal with 1:42 remaining.
Miami (13-3) had one more chance to rally for a victory, taking possession at its own 25 without any time outs. The Hurricanes navigated to the Indiana 41, but Beck threw a game-sealing interception to Jamari Sharpe – a Miami native – at the Hoosiers’ 6-yard line.
Mendoza finished 16-of-27 for 186 yards. Beck finished 19-of-32 for 232 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for 112 yards on 17 carries and two touchdowns.
An APSE national award-winning writer and editor, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. He also hosts Gulfshore Sports with David Wasson, weekdays from 3-5 pm across Southwest Florida and on FoxSportsFM.com. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.
