College Football Playoff Recap: Semifinal Scores and Championship Schedule
This year’s College Football Playoff semifinals brought a wild mix of drama and brilliant football. Both the Fiesta Bowl and Peach Bowl delivered—one with edge-of-your-seat tension, the other with sheer dominance. Now, with the national championship looming, it’s worth taking a closer look at the wild moments, the stars who shined, and what might be in store when Indiana clashes with Miami for all the marbles.
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Fiesta Bowl: Miami Edges Ole Miss in a Nail-Biter
The Fiesta Bowl didn’t disappoint. Carson Beck led Miami down the field for a 75-yard drive, finishing it off with a 3-yard touchdown run—just 18 seconds left. That last push gave Miami a 31-27 win over Ole Miss and sent them to their first title game since 2001. Talk about a finish.
Key Moments and Players
It was a back-and-forth shootout, with both teams going toe-to-toe on offense. Beck’s composure in crunch time was huge for Miami. The defense stepped up in the final minute, shutting the door when it mattered most.
- Carson Beck: Led a 75-yard game-winning drive
- Miami Defense: Key stops in the final moments
If you’re into stats and want to dig deeper, here’s the full statistical recap.
Peach Bowl: Indiana’s Dominance Over Oregon
The Peach Bowl was a totally different story. Indiana came out swinging—three turnovers in the first half, all turned into touchdowns. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza tossed five touchdown passes, and Indiana rolled to a 56-22 blowout over Oregon.
Defensive Masterclass
Indiana’s defense was everywhere, smothering Oregon from the start. They forced turnovers and made the Ducks pay for every mistake. If they can keep that up, Miami’s got a real challenge ahead.
- Three first-half turnovers: Each leading to a touchdown
- Fernando Mendoza: Five touchdown passes
Want to see the numbers and how Indiana pulled it off? Check the full statistical recap.
National Championship Preview: Indiana vs. Miami
So here we are: Indiana versus Miami, Monday, Jan. 19, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Both teams looked sharp in their semifinals, so this one could be a classic. It’s tough to call, but expectations are sky-high.
Betting Insights
Indiana’s favored by 7.5 points right now, with the over/under sitting at 48.5. Moneyline odds? Indiana -325, Miami +258. Not surprising after Indiana’s semifinal rout, but you never know in a title game.
- Spread: Indiana -7.5
- Over/Under: 48.5
- Moneyline: Indiana -325 | Miami +258
For more betting details, quarterback matchups, or injury updates, here’s the full preview.
Key Players to Watch
Both teams have some real difference-makers. Here’s who could tip the scales in the championship:
Indiana Hoosiers
- Fernando Mendoza: Quarterback, accurate and calm under fire, always seems to find the open man
- Indiana Defense: Turnover machines who love to make life miserable for opposing offenses
Miami Hurricanes
- Carson Beck: Quarterback, just led a game-winning drive and never seems rattled
- Miami Defense: Clutch when it counts, especially late in games
Conclusion: A Clash of Titans
The national championship game between Indiana and Miami? It’s shaping up to be a classic, honestly. Both teams have shown they can handle pressure, and there’s no shortage of talent on either side.
Fans are in for a game packed with excitement and some truly clever plays. There’s a real chance for unforgettable moments here—wouldn’t want to miss it.
Want a deeper dive into the semifinals and more thoughts on the championship? Check out the full article.
