In a compelling clash during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, Indiana took a commanding lead over Miami, finishing the first half at 10-0. This remarkable performance marks a staggering 31 scoreless quarters for the Indiana defense, alongside eight scoreless halves, showcasing their dominance on the field.
Indiana’s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, demonstrated his skills with 116 passing yards, significantly outpacing Miami’s Carson Beck, who managed just 49 yards. Despite Miami’s defensive attempts, which pressured Mendoza on 35 percent of his dropbacks, Indiana’s offense proved resilient.
On the other hand, Miami struggled both in the air and on the ground, averaging only 2.5 yards per carry. Their offense’s inability to capitalize on third-down conversions, going 0-for-6, highlighted their lack of explosiveness during the first half. This sluggish performance puts them in a challenging position as they head into the second half, trailing without the advantage of starting with the ball.
Historically, Miami has faced adversity with slow starts; they previously had a scoreless first half against Texas A&M in the playoffs. However, the stakes are higher this time, as they cannot afford to let Indiana stretch their lead further. For Miami to remain competitive, it is crucial for their defense to prevent Indiana from scoring a touchdown early in the third quarter. A three-score deficit could prove insurmountable, especially with the pressures of the national championship at stake.
The precedent shows that comebacks are possible, as evidenced by the 2019-20 LSU team, which overcame a 10-point deficit, and Florida State’s impressive 18-point comeback in the BCS championship. The path to victory remains open for Miami, but they will need to rally quickly and effectively as the second half approaches.