Can't Wait For Saturday Picking the Hoosiers just feels right

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Jan. 9—***

I would like to celebrate the demise of the SEC in this year's College Football Playoff. I would love to remind everyone that the league's skid is now up to three years, with Georgia taking the last CFP title for the SEC in 2023.

But alas, I can't. Because I was with SEC school Mississippi on Thursday, hoping it could knock off Miami and play for the national title. Oh so close. Hats off to Pete Golding for the near miss against the Hurricanes at the Fiesta Bowl. And congrats to the Mississippi fans for showing up in huge numbers. The program will be back in the CFP very soon.

Now, it is time to look ahead to the second semifinal, an all-Big Ten matchup between Indiana and Oregon at Atlanta's Peach Bowl. Should have held the game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Indiana is a 3 1/2-point favorite over the Ducks in the game, which is being televised by ESPN.

The network has multiple versions of the broadcast, which is how I ended up taping the Mississippi-leaning edition. It was very cool, though I am going with the standard broadcast for Indiana-Oregon.

Obviously, this is another great quarterback battle, with the Heisman Trophy winner going against the guy, Dante Moore, who will likely follow Fernando Mendoza as the No. 2 NFL draft pick.

Both teams are loaded with skill players, though Oregon's set isn't quite as healthy. The coaching is top notch. There aren't any better than Curt Cignetti and Dan Lanning.

Whoever wins this game will face Miami for the national title on Jan. 19 at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium. Obviously, the Hurricanes will have a home-field edge.

Cart before horse. What will happen Friday? I've got two models.

Indiana. It is the continuation of the greatest story in college football history. Carl Spackler wins the Masters. The U.S. hockey team over the Russians.

Indiana 28-21. Mendoza will find a way. So will the coach. Heck, he might even smile afterward.

Here's my warning: If Indiana does as I predict, nobody among the Big Red fans should think they are home free with the title. Miami is going to be ready. Especially playing so close to home,

The Big Ten still has a shot at a threepeat but will have to earn it.

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