The CFP Championship Game between Miami and Indiana included several critical plays that influenced the final outcome. A blocked punt by Indiana, recovered for a touchdown, was identified as a significant turning point in the game.
Miami's special teams unit received criticism due to both the blocked punt and an earlier missed field goal. Analysis of game footage, however, revealed that Miami had attempted a trick play involving special teams that nearly resulted in a touchdown.
During the third quarter, with Indiana leading 10-7, Indiana punted from their 41-yard line. Miami's Malachi Toney was positioned deep to receive the punt. A Miami receiver, lined up on the right outside, peeled off his blocking assignment and maintained an outside position, indicating a setup for a backward pass play. Had Toney been able to execute the play, it was believed an open receiver would have had a clear path to the end zone.
The trick play was not executed because the punt was precise: high enough for coverage to advance, deep (55 yards), and directed into a tight corner. This compelled Toney to field the ball at the 4-yard line without adequate time to initiate the play. Post-game analysis suggested Toney might have allowed the ball to bounce into the end zone, but his decision to field it was an attempt to execute the planned play.
Successful execution of this trick play could have given Miami a 14-10 lead. Instead, Miami's subsequent possession resulted in a three-and-out, followed by the blocked punt that Indiana recovered for a touchdown, extending their lead to 17-7. The blocked punt represented a 14-point swing in the game.