Coaching Chess Match: Cristobal's CEO Style vs. Cignetti's Turnaround Magic

By Staff Writer

Styles Make Fights

You couldn't build two more different paths to the National Championship. Mario Cristobal wants to beat you up. He recruits size, preaches physicality, and wants to run the ball down your throat in the fourth quarter to close out games. It's old-school. It's Alabama-lite (where he learned under Saban).

Curt Cignetti? He's the ultimate program builder. In just his first year at Indiana, he took a team that went 3-9 last year and turned them into an 11-1 Big Ten powerhouse. His attention to detail and player development is unmatched.

The "Fourth Down" Factor

This is where the game will be won. Both coaches have shown they're willing to be aggressive.

• Indiana 4th Down Conversion Rate: 72% (one of the best in the nation)
• Miami 4th Down Attempt Rate: Cristobal has become more aggressive this season

In a National Championship, smart play-calling and execution matters. Cignetti is meticulous in his preparation. Cristobal has championship experience from his Alabama days.

The X-Factor: Adjustment Speed

Cignetti scripts his game plans brilliantly. Indiana often controls early possessions. But Cristobal's superpower is halftime adjustments. Miami has outscored opponents 145-60 in the third quarter this season.

If Indiana jumps out to an early lead, don't panic Canes fans. The real game starts when Cristobal gets his guys in the locker room and fixes the leak.