By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Megan Briggs/GettyImages
The Miami Hurricanes’ magical season comes to an end heartbreakingly. Hurricanes lose to the Indiana Hoosiers, 27-21, in the National Football Playoff National Championship game on Monday night.
Indiana captures their first national title in program history, ending a perfect 16-0 record. Miami missed many opportunities. A missed goal, a blocked punt for a touchdown, and infrequent running were factors in the Hurricanes’ loss.
The Hoosiers outcoached the Hurricanes in this game. Coach Curt Cignetti made key adjustments. Indiana converting 4th-and-5 downs twice was a critical part of the Hoosiers’ win. Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a Miami native, didn’t have a great game. Miami’s defense hammered him for most of the game. Mendoza did enough plays to help the team win, especially the 12-yard run for a touchdown. It is one of the greatest quarterback touchdown runs in history.
Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck threw a costly interception that sealed the deal. It’s the last play of Beck’s college career.
“For it to end like that is hard,” Beck said. “It’s really tough, especially to battle the way that we did in the second half. Having a chance to win at the end says a lot about us. But to lose it – it really hurts.”
Receiver Keelan Marion never turned to look for the ball when Beck threw it to him. Marion felt terrible. It’s hard not feel bad for the player. Beck finished the game with 232 passing yards, with a touchdown and an interception. Beck ends his college career with a 37-6 record.
Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr had an outstanding performance with 17 carries, 112 yards, and two touchdowns. Fletcher Jr should’ve run the ball more if the offensive coordinator had drawn more plays for him.
Wide receiver Malachi Toney had 10 receptions for 122 yards and one touchdown. Miami fought hard in the second half. It’s a tough loss for the program. The Hurricanes overcome losses to Louisville and SMU to reach the championship game.
Although Miami lost, they have a bright future. The Hurricanes will have more recruits coming in for the 2026 season. The Hurricanes are seeking to earn their sixth championship.
Miami ends its season with a 13-3 record. As for Indiana, they have arrived. Cignetti had an FBS 27-2 record in two seasons. Mendoza joins receiver DeVonta Smith as the players to win the Heisman Trophy and national title in the same season.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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