Le Journal

South Floridians hit the sand for a second night, as they wrapped up national championship weekend 305 style, ahead of the highly anticipated showdown between the Miami Hurricanes and the Indiana Hoosiers. Revelers on Sunday flocked to Lummus park for Day 2 of a free concert series on South Beach organized as a tie-in leading up to Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium. The energy was at an all-time high. and there was no doubt as to which team concertgoers who spoke with 7News are rooting for. “Go, Canes, baby, go Canes,” said a fan. “If you live anywhere else, move to Miami.” “It’s all about the U, man,” said another fan. “You can see the vibes. The vibes are right,” said a third fan. Thousands of people cheered on as performers like Peso Pluma and Latin Mafia took the stage. “Best time, best time in Miami,” said the concertgoer who said people should move to Miami. As they enjoyed the music, the weather and the vibes, Canes fans said they’re keeping their eye on the prize. “We’re gonna play a hard game, but you know, baby, all about the U,” said a fan. The love for the U was running all over South Florida ahead of the big game, including at the Miami Beach Convention Center, which was transformed into Playoff Fan Central. The Canes and the Hoosiers’ marching bands hit the 300,000-square-foot playoff playground. “I put this convention center in our calendar about, like, nine months ago ’cause I knew we were gonna be in it,” said Canes fan Cazandra Aleman.

They’ve been underestimated and often underdogs, but after showing college football fans everywhere that they’re a force to be reckoned with, the Miami Hurricanes are now poised to take on the Indiana Hoosiers on the local team’s home turf. Speaking with reporters at Sunday’s final pregame conference, Canes head coach Mario Cristobal and Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti spoke about their players and where they’re at as they prepare to head into the College Football Playoff National Championship. Prior to addressing the media, the coaches posed for pictures nest to the national championship trophy. Cristobal had an ice cold stare as he continues to prepare his team for Monday night’s showdown at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. “I don’t think the external stuff has ever been a motivator for our team. I think it’s always been internal. I think our guys always want to prove themselves, right?” said Cristobal. “If you don’t own those details, you’re going to get your butt beat on any given day.” Cignetti was all smiles, but the coach is determined to ensure the Hoosiers, who are favored to win by more than a touchdown, emerge triumphant when the final whistle blows. “You know, I think leading up to this game, there’s been a lot of pro-Indiana hype, a lot of rat poison out there. I think it’s time to sharpen the saw now, throw those warm fuzzies over out the door, that sentimentalism,” he said, “You know, it’s time to go play a game against a great opponent. We’ve got to have a sharp edge going into this game and, you know, you don’t go to war with warm milk and cookies.” Cristobal’s approach to the title game is straightforward. He has no doubt quarterback Carson Beck can once again lead Miami’s offense. “I think Carson Beck epitomizes the ability to take an adverse situation and turn it into something not only positive, but something that helps one grow and endure and become a stronger and better version of themselves,” said Cristobal. “I think he’s the most experienced player in the College Football Playoffs.” Indiana is led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the former Columbus High School star. He’s thrown for eight touchdowns in the Hoosiers’ two playoff wins. Cignetti said he knows the challenge that Miami’s defensive line will pose. “Very impressive. They’re deep, they’re twitchy, they’re strong, they’re violent,” he said. Miami is looking to win their sixth ever national title, their first since 2001. “I don’t see us getting caught up in any nostalgic moments or whatnot. I just know the tremendous opportunity that,” said Cristobal. Mr. 305 himself, Pitbull, will perform a pregame concert at a stage set up outside the stadium, Monday evening.