After beating Oregon 56–22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal, Curt Cignetti’s Indiana is set to face Miami in the National Title Game. But at this moment, instead of talking about preparation, Cignetti gives off a different vibe. It’s an interesting contrast, especially as Miami’s head coach has already signaled the team’s best version of preparation.

“I’m not really thinking about the next game, I’m thinking about cracking open a beer,” said Cignetti after the win in the CFP semifinal.

While Barstool Sports shared that clip of Cignetti saying this during an interview with an ESPN reporter, the head coach’s words suggest he may want a moment of refresh before the ultimate game. That makes sense, as Indiana has completed an undefeated season and made history for the first time since 1945, so taking time to rest and celebrate the moment could motivate players for the next challenge.

Otherwise, it could be a strategy to throw off the opponent’s preparation. Whatever the case, Miami’s Mario Cristobal is ready to give a tough fight, and after the Fiesta Bowl win, he made that clear publicly.

“My f****** head is spinning. I’m ready to go watch the film. We should have scored 10 more points,” said Cristobal.

It clearly appears the Hurricanes’ coach wants to beat Indiana at any cost, so preparing early by studying film is the best way to identify flaws and ensure they aren’t repeated against the Hoosiers in the final game.

If Miami beats Indiana and wins the national title on home turf, it would end a long drought, as the Hurricanes last claimed a national championship in the 2001 BCS season.

While mindsets may differ with timing, both teams are desperately ready to make history by capturing the national title. That’s clearly visible in their dominance in recent bowl games.

While Miami under Mario Cristobal has taken down programs like OSU, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M to reach this stage, Indiana’s path has been just as daunting, with wins over powerhouses such as Oregon and Alabama. But that unbeaten run could be the separator.

Perhaps, it gives the Hoosiers a slight edge in predicting the outcome, even against Cristobal’s battle-tested Hurricanes.

Oddsmakers seem to agree. Indiana enters the CFP National Championship as the clear favorite against Miami, listed as a 7.5-point favorite with moneyline odds around -300, implying better than a 75% chance to win the title outright.

But it’s only a prediction; anything can happen on the field. Miami has already proven this season with upset wins over Ohio State and Ole Miss. Now, both head coaches bring proven track records, though Curt Cignetti carries a bit more championship-stage experience.

He led James Madison to the FCS National Championship game in 2019, finishing as the runner-up. Still, neither coach has won a national title as a head coach. That’s what makes this moment bigger.

With Carson Beck leading Miami and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza guiding Indiana, everything is set for a heavyweight fight on CFB’s biggest stage.

Still, only one team will bring it home, and that will be interesting to watch. But for now, Curt Cignetti’s squad beating the Ducks is making headlines.

Curt Cignetti’s IU continues winning streak

After blasting Alabama by 35 points in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal, the top-seeded Hoosiers followed it up with another statement. This time, it came against Oregon in the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. And the tone was set instantly.

On the very first play, D’Angelo Ponds jumped the route and took it back for a pick-six, while Mendoza was surgical, throwing three TD passes and leading four scoring drives on IU’s first five offensive possessions.

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But three Oregon turnovers fed the fire. By halftime, the scoreboard told the story: Indiana 35, Oregon 7, and the Ducks never recovered. Just like that, Indiana won, and history came with it.

Last week’s Alabama win already tied the fourth-largest blowout in CFP history and set a record for the biggest margin in the 12-team era. The Oregon route only reinforced the message.

Now, Indiana sits one step from the CFP National Title.