The total on the College Football Playoff national championship may be as low as 47.5, but only a fool would think the Indiana Hoosiers will not score multiple touchdowns.
As brilliantly as the Miami Hurricanes’ defense has played in three Playoff games, some things are just inevitable.
My Indiana anytime touchdown picks focus on a couple of long shots for Monday, January 19.
For even more college football picks ahead of kickoff, check out our full Miami vs. Indiana predictions!
Indiana anytime touchdown picks
| Player | Pick |  |
|---|---|---|
 Omar Cooper Jr. |
Anytime TD | +145 |
| Fernando Mendoza |
Anytime TD | +300 |
| Indiana Defense |
Anytime TD | +650 |
Omar Cooper Jr. anytime touchdown
Indiana’s WR1 Elijah Sarratt tweaked his hamstring at the start of November, causing him to miss three games and clearly limiting him for three more before breaking out in the Playoff semifinal.
One of those limited games came against Ohio State in the Big Ten title game, the nation’s best passing defense — an ugly 13-10 Hoosiers’ win. With Sarratt limited, Omar Cooper Jr. stepped up and has continued to contribute even after Sarratt returned.
Cooper has scored a touchdown in each of those six games.
Fernando Mendoza anytime touchdown
Of Fernando Mendoza’s six rushing touchdowns in six different games this season, only one came in a close contest, finding the end zone at Penn State in a 27-24 win.
However, that rate alone justifies this bet: In Indiana’s three close games, Mendoza scored in one.
The real thought process here is simply an acknowledgement that there is no reason not to use every wrinkle possible in the national championship game.
There is a reason the “Philly Special” is used most often in massive games. These are the moments such plays are saved for.
But more likely, Mendoza carrying the ball near the goal line could help the Hoosiers mitigate Miami's defensive front.
Indiana defense anytime touchdown
This bet would have cashed on the first snap of the Playoff semifinal. Imagine that joy.
Indiana has snagged 18 interceptions this season. As much as Miami quarterback Carson Beck could be the engine behind the Hurricanes winning the national championship, he could also propel the Hoosiers to the title.
Beck threw four interceptions in a Friday game against Louisville back in October. The possibility of multiple interceptions still exists, giving Indiana’s defense multiple chances to score.
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