Nobody noticed Miami’s trick play — and Indiana’s perfect special teams saved the national title

Jeff Hauser

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Nobody noticed Miami’s trick play — and Indiana’s perfect special teams saved the national title image

Nobody noticed Miami’s trick play in real time. Indiana’s special teams made sure it never mattered.

The Hoosiers completed a perfect season Monday night with a 27-21 win over Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship, becoming the first 16-0 team at the top level of college football in 132 years. While the Hoosiers’ offense and defense produced the headline moments, a quiet special teams stop may have been just as decisive.

With 6:24 remaining in the third quarter and Indiana clinging to a 10-7 lead, punter Mitch McCarthy launched a towering 55-yard punt that pinned Miami at its own 4-yard line. Hurricanes returner Malachi Toney managed only a 3-yard return, and that restraint likely saved the game.

FOX Sports analyst Geoff Schwartz later pointed out what most viewers missed. The play appeared designed as a trick return with Toney looking to throw downfield if space opened up.

“While recording our podcast today our Miami expert Chris Fallica mentioned he believed the punt Toney fielded near the 5-yard line was a trick play that never materialized,” Schwartz wrote on X. “Bear is correct. Look at this thing. Miami would have scored if the punt wasn’t so good.”

More: Curt Cignetti slams Big 12 refs over Miami's 'dirty' play in title game

McCarthy’s precision eliminated any chance for deception, forcing Miami to play straight offense from deep in its own territory. The Hurricanes failed to capitalize, and Indiana seized momentum from there. It was a fitting moment of the Hoosiers’ season. The detail oriented and mistake-free unit answered the call when it mattered most.

Indiana didn’t just outscore Miami. On a night when championship moments were fought by inches, the Hoosiers out executed the Canes, even when nobody noticed.

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Editorial Team