Monday Morning Update
Indiana Hoosiers’ Historic Run to the National Title Game
Indiana’s football team delivered a massive weekend win—beating Oregon 56–22 in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Peach Bowl—to punch their first-ever ticket to the national championship game. It’s a story of underdog turned showstopper. Crimson Quarry reports that this dominant performance capped a truly remarkable season. The Hoosiers, led by Heisman-winning QB Fernando Mendoza (who threw five touchdowns and no interceptions), are now just one win away from claiming the national title. AP News adds that Mendoza gets to do it on home turf in Miami—his hometown and within walking distance of Hard Rock Stadium.
Why it matters: If you're grabbing coffee this Monday, tell your coworkers Indiana’s season just went from “never heard of them” to “headline makers.” It’s the classic Cinderella story that makes sports fun—even if you don’t follow them.
Monday morning takeaway: Indiana is the feel-good story you didn't know you needed.
Sources: Crimson Quarry, AP News
Other College Football Playoff Headlines
- In the CFP semifinal held at the Fiesta Bowl, Miami edged past Ole Miss 31–27 to become Indiana’s opponent in the national championship game. Wikipedia confirms the close score—and Miami’s late-game push.
- As of Saturday morning, betting odds have Indiana favored by 7.5 points over Miami. It’s a small hill—meaning experts expect a close game. Reuters
Why it matters: Even if you’ve never bet a dollar, this is the kind of pregame conversation starter that works at almost any water cooler.
Monday morning takeaway: Two different ticket-winners face off next—underdogs, hometown heroes, and tight odds. Monday just became more interesting.
NFL Wild Card Weekend: The NFL's Win-or-Go-Home Madness Begins
NFL postseason kicked off on Saturday, January 10, with win-or-go-home games scattered across the weekend. Early Saturday saw the Los Angeles Rams take on the Carolina Panthers at 4:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears at 8 p.m. on Prime Video. AS USA lays out all kickoff times for Wild Card Weekend.
Here’s the full weekend lineup:
- Saturday, Jan. 10: Rams @ Panthers (4:30 p.m. ET), Packers @ Bears (8 p.m. ET)
- Sunday, Jan. 11: Bills @ Jaguars (1 p.m. ET), 49ers @ Eagles (4:30 p.m. ET), Chargers @ Patriots (8 p.m. ET)
- Monday, Jan. 12: Texans @ Steelers (8 p.m. ET)
Why it matters: These are the games everyone either dreads or loves—because upsets can happen, underdogs can thrive, and office chatter bursts into life. Plus, this year is missing the usual big names—like Mahomes or the Chiefs—so anyone could get hot.
Monday morning takeaway: Your TV just became appointment viewing—even if you’d rather watch a sitcom.
Sources: AS USA
Quick Looks: Other Notable Happenings
- No major events to report in NBA, NHL, golf, or NASCAR this weekend that made national headlines.
- No surprising closures or cancellations—just a quiet weekend in other sports.
Why it matters: If sports coverage was your side-scroll habit, feel free to sleep in. No major distractions here.
Monday morning takeaway: It’s safe to scroll cat videos—nothing else demands your attention.
That’s your Monday sports memo—now go enjoy the coffee queue. Let sports be the fun part of your Monday, not a draining one.