Miami on the verge of historic underdog run in College Football Playoff era originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Miami is on the brink of a historic underdog run in the College Football Playoff era, with long odds stacked against the Hurricanes as they chase their first national championship since 2001.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSince being selected as the final team in the College Football Playoff field, the Miami Hurricanes have carried the label of outsider. That perception has only grown ahead of the title game, where Miami opened as a 8.5-point underdog to the unbeaten Indiana Hoosiers, according to On3’s Brett McMurphy.
"Only two underdogs of more than 8½ points – Ohio State, an 11½-point underdog vs. Miami in the 2002 title game and Oklahoma, a 10½-point underdog vs. Florida State in the 2000 title game – pulled off bigger upsets since 1998," McMurphy wrote. "Besides being more than a touchdown underdog, Miami has to overcome recent domination by the title game’s betting favorite. Since 2019, the last six title game favorites have each won and covered the point spread." The last underdog to win the championship was Clemson, which stunned Alabama 44-16 in the 2018 title game.
More: Mel Kiper Jr.’s No. 2 overall draft prospect shocks NFL by returning to school
Miami’s case is built on defying expectations. The Hurricanes are 3-0 straight up as underdogs this season, including wins over Notre Dame, Texas A&M and Ohio State.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMore:Indiana has a Miami transfer but will it matter in CFP championship game?
Indiana enters at 15-0 and has thrived as a favorite, going 26-0 straight up under coach Curt Cignetti. The numbers favor the Hoosiers, but Miami has already shown this postseason that odds alone do not decide championships.
More college football news:
Dan Lanning rips College Football Playoff, calls for major changes
Demond Williams bombshell could have resulted in Lane Kiffin being fired by LSU
Deion Sanders buyout, contract details as Colorado Buffaloes coach
Top 2026 NFL Draft prospect suffers broken rib in CFP quarterfinal loss
Ohio State's Ryan Day faces backlash after Cotton Bowl
