Mario Cristobal Takes Blame For Miami Loss to Indiana in CFP Title Game, '1 Drive Short'

Miami's tremendous season came to a disappointing end on Monday as the Hurricanes lost to Indiana 27-21 in the national championship game.

Miami had some momentum on its final drive and managed to get into Hoosiers territory, but Carson Beck threw an interception, and Indiana was able to run out the clock. Despite the error from Beck, head coach Mario Cristobal took the blame for the loss.

"I'll take the blame," he told reporters. "We're one drive short of winning a national championship."

While Indiana was in control for most of the game, Cristobal had Miami within striking distance throughout.

There was little offense from either side in the first half, but especially from Miami. Indiana got on the board in the first quarter with a field goal and made it 10-0 in the second quarter, leaving the Hurricanes with a deficit to overcome.

Miami managed to cut into the Hoosiers' lead early in the third quarter when Mark Fletcher Jr. exploded for a 57-yard rushing touchdown.

Fletcher 57-Yard TD

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Unfortunately for Miami, any momentum it had came screeching to a halt a few drives later when the Hurricanes' punt was blocked and Indiana recovered it in the endzone to take a 17-7 lead into the fourth quarter.

Miami managed to make up for the error, responding with a touchdown drive to cut the deficit to three points early in the final quarter, but Indiana answered with a touchdown a few drives later.

Star receiver Malachi Toney found the endzone halfway through the fourth, but that would be the last time Miami scored. Indiana added a late field goal and then intercepted Beck to seal it.

The loss will likely sting for a while, but Cristobal is hoping those returning to Miami will let it fuel another strong season in 2026.

"If you're worth a damn as a competitor, you give (the disappointment) a direction," he told reporters. "You don't automatically return a game like this because you're mad. It's the biggest misconception in sports."