ESPN analyst puts all the pressure on Indiana in CFP, as Miami plays with house money

It is not everything, but it most certainly is something. While it may be a home game for the Miami Hurricanes, the Indiana Hoosiers are seen as a massive favorite in this year's national championship. This is what tends to happen when the No. 1 overall seed in the 12-team tournament takes on the last team to make the field in the No. 10 Hurricanes. Regardless, we have to give Miami a real chance here.

During Monday's edition of First Take, ESPN's Desmond Howard talked all about the pressure on IU.

"The pressure right now is on Indiana. I think they were a great story, but then once you go into the CFP and you start beating blue-bloods like the Alabama Crimson Tide the way you beat them, people's eyes start to open up wider, and they start to look at you a little differently. So now the storyline is they have this unprecedented, undefeated season, a perfect record, something we've never seen because obviously, we've extended the playoff."

Howard continued by saying that Miami is "playing with house money", which feels like a fair point.

"Miami, I think is just playing with house money. I know it's a home game and it's their home stadium, but they've been an underdog each and every game they've played in in the CFP. They've embraced that role."

He finished by saying all of this pressure is starting to mount and build for Indiana that IU might crack.

"I just think there is a lot of pressure right now. You come in here, perfect record, unblemished. You have the Heisman Trophy winner. He's from Miami, so you have all of this build-up with you on your side. You're favored by 8.5, so I think all the pressure is on Indiana."

Here is what Howard had to say about Indiana having all of the pressure on them while on First Take.

What are the chances that Miami could be the one to deliver Indiana's first and fatal knockout blow?

Desmond Howard puts all pressure on Indiana but house money on Miami

This is the right way to view this, in all honesty. We have seen from afar what Indiana has been capable of all season long. For the most part, the Hoosiers have smoked everyone they have played. Miami native Fernando Mendoza is effectively a lock to be the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft after the conclusion of this title bout affair. Does Miami have a chance?

Oh, absolutely! Miami may be the underdogs once again, but this is a role that Mario Cristobal and his team have had to embrace all playoff long. They had to beat Texas A&M on the road in College Station in the first round, before handling Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, and outlasting a feisty Ole Miss team in the Fiesta Bowl. Indiana might be the best team in the country, but if anyone can beat IU, it is Miami.

Overall, Miami is the more talented team of the two duking it out in this title bout. Indiana is so well-coached, but it is not like Cristobal has a bunch of schlubs backing him up on the sidelines. If either Shannon Dawson or Corey Hetherman coach the game of their lives, Miami will have a real shot at the upset. It starts by taking care of the football, meaning Carson Beck has to save his very best for last.

At this time, Miami has history on its side to win this national title, while Indiana tries to make history...