An interception seals the Miami Hurricanes' championship hopes. Despite a record-setting performance, a near-perfect season comes to a heart-wrenching end.
Miami, FL - The Miami Hurricanes fell short of a glamorous comeback in their home stadium for a National Championship, with a final score of 27-21, as the Indiana Hoosiers completed an undefeated season. Despite the sloppy offense, they had a chance to win at the end until an interception sealed the deal.
Before that, quarterback Carson Beck completed 19 of 32 passes, 59.4 percent, for 232 yards, and threw for a 22-yard touchdown to freshman star wide receiver Malachi Toney. It's a devastating ending for the 23-year-old, who overcame personal adversity with UCL surgery and led the program to a stage that hadn't been reached in over two decades.
"I'm just so grateful to have the opportunity to play quarterback at this University and coach [Mario] Cristobal," he told the media postgame. "He gave me an opportunity when he didn't know what it would look like, how my elbow was going to be after surgery. Obviously, for it to end this way, it hurts really bad, but it was a hell of a season."
Beck's impact in the College Football Playoffs shouldn't be overlooked, despite a devastating ending. The Hurricanes took a chance on him during an uncertain period and leaned on his experience. It paid off, for the most part, just a clean drive short.
There were a few moments throughout the game that contributed to the loss, such as the blocked punt that resulted in a Hoosiers' touchdown, a false start from edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. in the second quarter on a third-and-12 situation, which resulted in a touchdown drive, failing to convert on third downs, three for 11, and a missed field goal.
Star running back Mark Fletcher Jr. broke loose, especially in the second half in an attempt for a comeback, rushing 17 times for 112 yards, finishing with 120 total, scoring two touchdowns, one of them for 57 yards, which set a new National Championship game record for the longest rushing touchdown
The 21-year-old played a pivotal role in the Hurricanes' turnaround since arriving in 2023. For the entire College Football Playoff run, Fletcher Jr. rushed 75 times for 507 yards, which set a new record in history. Also, he confirmed his intention to return to the Hurricanes next season, having one year of eligibility left.
The Hoosiers established a strong run game, finishing with 131 rushing yards as a team, and breaking through multiple tackles.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 16 of 27 passes, 59.3 percent, for 186 yards, including a heroic rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter on fourth down. Despite dealing with the physicality of the Hurricanes' defensive line, the Heisman Trophy winner stood tall in the biggest moment of his career.
"I was a two-star recruit coming out of high school," he said after the victory. "I got declined a walk-on offer to the University of Miami. Full-circle moment, playing in Miami in front of all the friends and family."
The Hurricanes are trending in the right direction, especially with Cristobal at the helm.
“Sky’s the limit,” Beck said about the program’s future. “Such great coaches, players, and the culture that has been built here.”
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our RoundTable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
More Miami Hurricanes News: