Curt Cignetti still comes up when you Google the word winner, and the football world continues to be dumbfounded over what they witnessed Monday night. But let’s give the Miami Hurricanes credit, they worked their tails off attempting to give the upcoming ‘Hoosiers Part 2’ movie a very different ending.
But let’s get something straight before I start. Miami didn’t play a dirty game. If anything, Miami reminded us of what we’ve been missing. I’m going to be unpopular with Husker fans, and it pains me to say it. But due to how physically they played, how aggressive and punishing they were, hitting like we used to see in the old Nebraska-Miami games, I found myself rooting for the Hurricanes. It went against every fiber in me. But damn they played football like it’s meant to be played. I’m glad the Big Ten got a third consecutive Natty but I applaud Mario Cristobol for what he’s brought to the ‘U’. Now kick Michael Irving and Ray Lewis’s butts off the sideline so I can watch.
I picked Indiana to win the game 31-21. The final, 27-21. Going into this game there were three things that kept me from picking the Hurricanes. Well, four if you count the Hoosiers winning was too good of a story not to happen.
First off, Miami lost sight of their game plan in the first half, failing to run the ball. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson was impatient. Due to that they had difficulty moving the ball and never got into a rhythm. At halftime Beck was 5/9 for 43 yards and the Hurricanes only had 69 total yards of offense. They went to the locker room down 10-0 at halftime.
In comparison, Miami got back into the game in the second half by feeding Mark Fletcher the ball. Fletcher had 17 carries for 112 yards, a 6.6 yard per carry average with a long run of 54 yards and 2 TDs. The Hurricanes put up 243 yards of offense in the 2nd half alone and ended the game with 342 total yards. Wide receiver Malichi Toney was a big part of that with 10 receptions for 142 yards and 1 TD.
Next, Miami’s defense struggles in the red zone, allowing teams to score 80% of the time. Indiana’s winning touchdown came on a Fernando Mendoza designed run on a fourth and five from the 12-yard line. Give Indiana’s Curt Cignetti credit, he started to kick a field goal and then called a time out. He determined they needed more than three points to win and decided to go for it. It’s questionable Miami could have stopped Indiana from converting the first down, but allowing a touchdown magnified the problem Miami’s defense has had all season in the red zone. A stop there gives the Hurricanes the ball back.
And finally, Carson Beck may have an impeccable record, going 36-5 as the starting QB at both Georgia and Miami. But his kryptonite is throwing interceptions. He had thrown 11 this season going into the championship game. I didn’t see him getting out of this one clean. And he didn’t. Miami was driving with a chance to win at the end of the game when Beck made a bad throw that was picked off. Game over. He ended the night going 19/32 for 232 yards, 1 TD and 1 interception.
I can say those three things cost Miami the game. But Indiana did as much to win as Miami did to lose. As we’ve seen all season long what Cignetti puts on the field is a team. Mendoza may have somewhat stolen the show, but there were no clear standouts. It was a team win. Mendoza finished the night 16/27 for 186 yards and 0 TDs. He had a 12-yard TD run but finished the night -8 rushing due to being sacked 3 times. Running back Kaelon Black had 79 yards rushing and Roman Hemby ran for 60. Neither had a TD. Wide receiver Omar Cooper had 5 catches for 71 yards, Charlie Becker had 4 receptions for 65 yards, and Elijah Sarrett had 3 for 28 yards. None had a receiving TD. The Hoosiers finished the game with 317 total yards of offense. But no one player could be pointed at as the clear difference maker. Only Mendoza’s TD run separates him.
The other big play that killed Miami. A blocked punt for a touchdown. The Hurricanes did a terrible job of blocking, and it cost them. It goes back once again to coaches emphasizing how important special teams are and how taking care of the ball is a must in order to win. Especially national championships.
Counting the blocked punt and Becks’ interception, the Canes turned the ball over twice. Indiana had the most important number on the scoreboard, zero in the turnovers category.
Overall, it was an enjoyable game to watch. The right team won and once again, I enjoyed seeing real ‘hit stickers’ play football. Every Husker fan watching wants to see their team play with that same physicality and aggressiveness. I’ve been saying it all along, it’s what’s missing from Rhule’s teams.
GO BIG RED!! SIMPLE, FAST, VIOLENT!!
Artwork by Lyle Harmon
Stats gathered from ESPN – Serving Sports Fans. Anytime. Anywhere.
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