The Indiana Hoosiers (16-0) took on the Miami Hurricanes (13-3) on Monday in the College Football Playoff National Championship from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Indiana kicker Nico Radicic made a 34-yard field goal, and running back Riley Nowakowski rushed for a one-yard touchdown to give the Hoosiers a 10-0 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for a 57-yard touchdown to cut Indiana’s lead to 10-7. However, Indiana would get those when Mikail Kamara blocked a punt, and it was recovered by Isaiah Jones in the endzone for the touchdown. Indiana led 17-7.
In the fourth quarter, Miami running back Mark Fletcher Jr. rushed for a four-yard touchdown to make it 17-14. It was his second rushing touchdown of the night. Later in the fourth quarter, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza avoided the rush to score a 12-yard touchdown for a 24-14 lead.
Miami quarterback Carson Beck threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Malachi Tony, and it was now 24-21. Late in the game, Indiana kicker Nico Radicic made a 35-yard field goal for a 27-21 lead with 1:42 left. Indiana defensive back Jamair Sharpe ended the game with an interception, and the Hoosiers defeated Miami 27-21 to win the program’s first national championship.
Indiana’s offense had 317 yards (186 yards passing, 131 yards rushing), 20 first downs, and the team was penalized five times for 38 yards. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 16 of 27 passes (59.2%) for 186 yards, six carries for -8 yards, and one rushing touchdown.
Running back Kaelon Black had 17 carries for 79 yards. Wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. made five catches for 71 yards, while Charlie Becker made four catches for 65 yards. Kicker Nico Radicic made two field goals with a long of 35 yards and made three extra points. The defense made 49 tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, seven pass breakups, one interception, and one blocked punt for a touchdown.
Miami’s offense had 342 yards (232 yards passing, 110 yards rushing), 15 first downs, and the team was penalized seven times for 60 yards. Quarterback Carson Beck completed 19 of 32 passes (59.4%) for 232 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and one carry for -7 yards.
Running back Mark Fletcher Jr. had 17 carries for 112 yards, two rushing touchdowns, and one catch for eight yards. Wide receiver Malachi Toney made 10 catches for 122 yards and one touchdown, while C.J. Daniels made four catches for 62 yards.
Kicker Carter Davis missed a field goal and made three extra points. The defense made 66 tackles, six tackles for loss, three sacks, and four pass breakups.
