3 stats that show Indiana's defensive dominance in CFP: How Hoosiers' unit has IU on brink of national title

Indiana’s defense is having a stellar first-half performance during Monday night’s CFP national championship against Miami. Through the first two quarters, the Hoosiers have held the Canes to just three points and out-gained them 169-69 in total yardage.

Miami’s three points at halftime mark its fewest in a game since the CFP first-round matchup against Texas A&M. Led by head coach Curt Cignetti and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, Indiana’s defense has made a massive statement early. In fact, the Hoosiers’ defensive dominance has been a hallmark of their CFP run.

Here’s a closer look at how Indiana’s defense is stifling the Canes in the national title game and throughout the playoffs.

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Indiana defense dominates in CFP 

Through all of its three games, it's been a dominant unit throughout.  

Held Alabama to its lowest point total in the CFP era

Indiana earned a first-round bye as the No. 1 seed in the playoff. The Hoosiers faced No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal, in a highly-anticipated matchup. 

But Indiana's defense showed up big time. The Hoosiers led 17-0 at halftime, and added another 21 points in the second half. Indiana won 38-3, holding the Tide to just a field goal in the third quarter. 

The three points was the lowest point total for the Tide in its entire playoff history, first behind the 44-16 loss to Clemson in the 2019 national title game. The Hoosiers held Alabama to just 193 total yards, including a 3-for-11 finish on third down, and 0-for-2 on 4th down. The Tide was held to 23 rushing yards on the day, which was just slightly better than the -3 rushing yards the TIde had against Georgia in the SEC title game.

For Alabama, it marked the worst loss for the Tide since 1998, when Alabama lost 38-7 to Virginia in the Music City Bowl. 

Three first-half turnovers results in 21 points against Oregon 

In the Peach Bowl semifinal, Indiana's defense was just as dominant. Although it was expected to be a great game, a rematch of the 30-20 Indiana road win it had earlier in the season. 

But Indiana's defense once again had a dominant performance. On the very first play of the game, Hoosiers' defensive back D'Angelo Ponds returned a Dante Moore pick 25 yards for a touchdown for an early 7-0 lead. Ponds read Moore's eyes the entire time, and made the pick look easy:

It didn't stop there, Moore had two more first-half turnovers, including two fumbles that resulted in two more Indiana touchdowns. 

— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) January 10, 2026

— College Football Playoff (@CFBPlayoff) January 10, 2026

Indiana's defense finished the night holding Oregon to just 93 yards rushing and 0-for-2 on 4th down, as the Hoosiers cruised to a 56-22 victory.

Indiana shuts out Miami in the national championship first half

The trend continued for the Hoosiers on Monday night against the Canes. Indiana’s defense forced three straight three-and-outs on three of Miami’s first four offensive possessions. The Canes were held scoreless in the first half, though they did get a chance to score.

Late in the second quarter, Miami reached Indiana’s 32-yard line, aided by a deep pass from Carson Beck to C.J. Daniels on third down. Facing a 4th-and-2, the Canes opted for a 50-yard field goal attempt by Carter Davis. The kick hit the right upright and was no good, leaving Miami off the board.

Indiana outgained Miami 169-69 in total yardage. In fact, the 69 yards by the Canes were the fewest in a national championship game in the CFP era.

It remains to be seen whether Miami’s second-half adjustments can make any difference on offense.

Who is Indiana’s defensive coordinator?

Indiana's defensive coordinator is Bryant Haines, who played linebacker at Ball State. After his playing career, he started his coaching career at the college level for Manchester University in 2009. 

He has been with Coach Cignetti for quite awhile, dating back to his head coaching days at Indiana University of Pennsylvania from 2014-15, and has been with him ever since at Elon and James Madison prior to the two going to Indiana.

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