2025 Indiana or 2019 LSU? Unpacking a debate that defies college football logic

Indiana will compete for its first football national title on January 19 at the College Football Playoff championship game in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Hoosiers, currently 15-0, have been dominant this postseason and are being compared to legendary teams, such as the 2019 LSU Tigers. A victory over Miami, who holds a 13-2 record, could solidify Indiana's status as one of the best national champions of the CFP era.

In a recent 56-22 win over Oregon, ESPN commentator Greg McElroy drew parallels between Indiana and the 2019 LSU team. Comparing the two, both teams share identical perfect records, but Indiana boasts a higher average margin of victory and a superior turnover margin. While LSU's offense, led by Joe Burrow, was renowned for its firepower, Indiana's offense, quarterbacked by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, excels with a stronger running game.

Defensively, Indiana outshines the 2019 LSU squad,