The Miami Hurricanes have finally returned to the national title conversation after a 23-year gap, and the fanbase is fully locked in. So much so that they’re not tolerating anything that could distract the team. That’s why things escalated quickly after thieves robbed freshman safety Bryce Fitzgerald on Saturday night, reportedly targeting his jewelry. But the incident didn’t sit well with some of Miami’s most feared street gang members.

Gavelli, along with other gang members, publicly demanded the return of the stolen items. They called the robbery a clear violation of Miami’s street code. They made their message clear: Fitzgerald is a beloved Hurricane, about to play the biggest game the city has seen in 25 years, and no one should mess with him.

These aren’t just random voices speaking up. These people have built their reputations during Miami’s drug trade era in the ’80s and early ’90s and remain deeply connected to the city’s hip-hop culture. People understand how dangerous and influential they can be. That’s why, oddly enough, for once, the crime world worked out in Bryce Fitzgerald’s favor. They’re on his side. Looks like nothing is going to stop the entire city of Miami from standing behind the Hurricanes as they try to get the Natty.

 The incident happened shortly after Mario Cristobal’s side returned from their College Football Playoff semifinal win. During a party at a short-term Airbnb in Florida City, about 40 minutes south of campus, multiple suspects armed with rifles stormed the home and robbed Fitzgerald and possibly others.

Things moved fast after that. Authorities identified the suspect as Stephen Jones, aka Dooley, who is still on the run. But within 72 hours, police arrested his girlfriend, Wilia Thomas, and charged her with an organized scheme to defraud and third-degree grand theft, setting her bond at $2,500. She allegedly tried to sell the gold chain connected to the case. Looks like that public warning did exactly what it was supposed to do.

It felt like a throwback to the old Miami life, when the city’s underworld ran with brutal efficiency. Back then, once a street legend spoke, people cooperated, and no one wanted to get in the way. That same “code of the street” seemed to kick in here. And honestly, it makes sense. Fitzgerald is a huge part of Miami’s defense, and a lot is riding on him. Any distraction right now is the last thing he needs.

On the field, the freshman has been outstanding. He’s played in 15 games and leads Miami with six interceptions for 79 return yards, while adding 15 tackles (10 solo), a tackle for loss, a 10-yard sack, two pass breakups, and two QB hurries. Now, he has locked in and is ready to bring that same efficiency against the Hoosiers on January 19.

Who has the edge?

On paper, the matchup in Miami Gardens on January 19 looks fairly one-sided. The Hoosiers open as 8.5-point favorites, with the total set at 47.5. DraftKings has Indiana at -8.5 (-110) with a -334 moneyline, while ESPN gives them a 68% chance to win. Most analysts are leaning Indiana’s way because of their dominant offensive game, which is strong in both the run and the pass.

The Hoosiers rank 32nd in EPA per rush and 13th in rushing success rate, which lines up nicely against a Miami defense ranked 79th against the run. On the flip side, Indiana’s defense has been stout, too, ranking 23rd in EPA/Rush allowed. To be very honest, that could spell trouble for Carson Beck, who has struggled when facing elite defenses.

Miami’s defense has been strong in its own right, holding playoff opponents to just two passing touchdowns, but the matchup still favors Indiana. Then there’s Mendoza. The Heisman winner has been playing lights out with 41 TDs to just 6 picks, a 73% completion, and 3,349 passing yards. He also added 284 rushing yards and six more scores with his feet. He’s more than capable of attacking a Miami defense that recently gave up 277 yards to Trinidad Chambliss.

Add in the hometown storyline, Mendoza returning to Miami, and things get even more interesting. The game may carry a “neutral-site” label. But since it’s being played at Hard Rock Stadium, the Hurricanes could have a huge home crowd. And with all the buzz around the city, don’t be surprised if some of Miami’s street legends watch from the stands as well.