Indiana opens as big favorite over Miami in the College Football Playoff title game

Indiana has emerged as a 7.5-point favorite against Miami for the national championship game on January 19 in Miami. Despite Miami's perceived home-field advantage, Indiana fans are expected to be well-represented, as they were during the Peach Bowl win over Oregon. Indiana aims for its first national title in school history, with odds set at -300 for a straight-up win, while Miami is at +240.

A win for Indiana would mark the third consecutive national championship for the Big Ten, following victories by Michigan and Ohio State in previous seasons. Miami seeks its first national title since 2001 and aims to be the first ACC team since Clemson in 2018 to win the championship. Indiana, with Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, previously defeated Oregon 56-22. Mendoza had an impressive performance in that game, throwing five touchdowns with only four incompletions.

Miami reached the title game after a 31-27 victory over Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl, secured by