What Curt Cignetti has done with his Hoosiers has changed the conversation for many college football programs, and for the Big Ten vs SEC power balance.

I grew up in Indiana and saw attitudes about football change with the Colts. Now the Hoosiers are capitalizing in an unlikely Playoff run.

As college football reaches its pinnacle Monday night, the sport is clearly in a wonky place. Is it broken or better than ever? Yes.

If Indiana had an average roster age of 23, that would make the Hoosiers only two years younger than the Packers, who reached the playoffs this season. More likely, Indiana's average age among starters is closer to 22, which still leaves a comfortable gap with the Packers even if Cignetti's team does rely heavily on experience.

In 2019, undefeated LSU was averaging 47.8 points per game entering the then-four-team CFP. The Tigers outscored their playoff opponents (No. 4 Oklahoma and No. 3 Clemson) 105-53 behind the talents of eventual NFL stars like quarterback Joe Burrow, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and wideouts Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson.

Adewale Ogunleye, a member of the Indiana Athletics Hall of Fame as a former defensive end, will join the Hoosiers as an honorary captain for the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, the program announced.

Miami football head coach Mario Cristobal does not want to be kissed by Michael Irvin if his team wins the championship.