Miami hasn’t beaten a No. 1 team in 26 years— Indiana stands in the way

Miami hasn’t beaten a No. 1 team in more than a quarter century. 

Whether that drought finally ends Monday night depends on whether the Hurricanes can slow the most consistent team college football has produced this season.

A victory over the Indiana Hoosiers in the national championship game would be Miami Hurricanes’ first win against an AP No. 1 opponent since 2000, when they defeated Florida State. Since then, Miami has lost seven of its last eight games against top-ranked teams after winning eight straight from 1981-91, according to ESPN.

That stat alone proves how rapidly Curt Cignetti has transformed Indiana into an instant hit in college football. The No. 1 Hoosiers (15-0) have played cleaner, more efficient football than anyone in the Power Four, positioning themselves for the program’s first national title and a finish unlike anything Bloomington has seen since the 1960s.

From a pure talent perspective, scouts almost universally acknowledge Miami’s edge. The Hurricanes’ roster features more projected NFL players, and draft picks remain a common measuring stick. But when 25 opposing coaches, scouts and front office members were polled, 21 picked Indiana to win, according to ESPN's Bill Connelly. They all cited execution, discipline and quarterback play in critical moments.

Miami’s path to victory is clear. They need to shorten the game. The Hurricanes huddle, bleed the play clock and lean on the run game. They controlled the ball for more than 41 minutes against Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl, and they’ll need a similar tempo against Indiana. The early barometer will be whether Miami can run consistently and avoid obvious passing downs.

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As for Indiana, this has been a ruthless postseason. The Hoosiers blew out Alabama and Oregon after edging Ohio State in the Big Ten title game. Fernando Mendoza has repeatedly won third downs and late-game moments, which is the exact area where scouts believe the difference will show.

Miami has been here before in spirit. In 1983, the Hurricanes shocked Nebraska to announce a dynasty. This time, they’re underdogs again. Only now, they’re trying to end an old streak while standing in the way of Indiana’s bid for perfection.

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