Monday Morning Update
Here’s what you need to know from this weekend’s biggest U.S. sports moments.
College Football Playoff Finalists Set – And It’s A Wild Ride
This weekend’s big story wasn’t about touchdowns or timeouts—it was about history. For the first time ever, Indiana and the Miami Hurricanes will face off in the national championship, and it’s happening in Miami, where Indiana’s quarterback grew up.
Indiana, undefeated at 15–0, blasted Oregon 56–22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal—five touchdowns from Heisman-winning QB Fernando Mendoza. That win punched their ticket to the title game and made their season feel like a victory lap. (Source: Reuters, AP) ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/indiana-opens-td-favorite-over-miami-cfp-title-game--flm-2026-01-10/?utm_source=openai))
Miami snuck their way into the final after beating Ole Miss 31–27 in the Fiesta Bowl—sealed by a late touchdown run from QB Carson Beck. Their win sent fans into a frenzy and set up a championship where they could make history by winning at home. (Source: Reuters) ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/indiana-opens-td-favorite-over-miami-cfp-title-game--flm-2026-01-10/?utm_source=openai))
Why it matters: Your Monday morning conversation starter—Indiana, a team not known for football glory, is on the brink of a title. And Miami? They get to chase it with hometown fans watching. Talk about high stakes.
NFL Playoffs Kick Off This Weekend
- Rams vs. Panthers: L.A. is a big favorite (by about 10 points) playing in Carolina. They’ll be looking to avenge a shocking Week 13 loss to the Panthers. (Source: Yahoo Sports, AP) ([bigblueview.com](https://www.bigblueview.com/general/151687/nfl-playoffs-game-times-channels-streaming-odds-panthers-rams-packers-bears-wild-card-weekend?utm_source=openai))
- Packers vs. Bears: A classic rivalry popped back in the playoffs. Chicago hosts Green Bay in what could feel like the finale to their December trilogy. (Source: BigBlueView, Packers.com) ([bigblueview.com](https://www.bigblueview.com/general/151687/nfl-playoffs-game-times-channels-streaming-odds-panthers-rams-packers-bears-wild-card-weekend?utm_source=openai))
Why it matters: These games are the first steps toward the Super Bowl, but even more importantly—they’re the rare moments where office trash talk becomes real. If your co-worker has stakes on these, now’s the time to pretend you care.
Other Sports Highlights (Quick Hits)
No major college basketball upsets, no NBA buzzer-beaters, no golf or racing drama making national headlines. Sometimes the sports world just takes the weekend off—lucky us!
Why it matters: No need for extra scrolling—your sports update is done already.
Monday morning takeaway: Indiana and Miami square off in a rare and compelling championship showdown—plus, the NFL playoffs officially hit the gas. Bring coffee.