College Football National Championship Recap No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 10 Miami

The College Football National Championship delivered one of the most intense title games in recent memory.

The opening quarter was a defensive chess match. Indiana finally broke through late in the first, converting a field goal with 2:42 remaining to take an early 3–0 lead. The Hoosiers controlled the tempo throughout the first half, extending the advantage to 10–0 by halftime.

The second half ignited the fireworks.

Miami struck first when Mark Fletcher Jr. powered into the end zone, cutting the deficit and shifting momentum. Indiana answered in dramatic fashion moments later when a punt by Dylan Joyce at the Miami 16 was blocked by Mikail Kamara and recovered by Isaiah Jones, setting up a quick score and pushing the lead to 17–7.

Fletcher wasn't finished. The Miami running back scored again in the fourth quarter, narrowing the score to 17–14 and turning the championship into a nail-biter.

Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza responded with a moment of brilliance, escaping pressure and stretching across the goal line on a 12-yard rushing touchdown to restore Indiana's cushion. Miami quarterback Carson Beck kept the Hurricanes alive, leading a comeback drive capped by a 22-yard touchdown pass to M. Toney, making it 24–21 Indiana.

With 1:42 remaining, Indiana added a crucial field goal to extend the lead to 27–21.

Miami got the ball back with no timeouts and one final chance. Beck moved the offense downfield, aided by a costly roughing-the-passer penalty. Indiana called timeout with 51 seconds left, setting the stage for the decisive moment.

On the very next play, Beck threw an interception, sealing the outcome.

Indiana clinched its first-ever national championship, finishing the season a perfect 16–0 and becoming the first undefeated team to win the title under the new 12-team College Football Playoff format.

History was made and Indiana has placed themselves on the map, not basketball....FOOTBALL!!!