There are words we overuse in the sports writing profession. In fact, there are a lot of words we overuse — momentum, gutsy, statement win, incredible, game changing — and the list goes on.
But the word destiny isn’t one that is overused in the sports writing profession. When it’s used lazily, it can feel redundant, like saying it was the team’s destiny to score the game-winning touchdown.
But when you say there is a legitimate team of destiny, you better have stats and story arcs to back it up.
For example, Ohio State winning the CFP national championship last season wasn’t a team of destiny. It’s Ohio State — they’re expected to compete for championships. You could point to the Michigan loss that fueled the run, but great teams lose, and that alone doesn’t make them a team of destiny.
We say “controlling your own destiny” a lot, meaning if you win the meaningful games left, you can control your path forward.
But when you say “team of destiny,” I think that defines a team that feels like it’s meant to win. It’s not just that they’re good. Everything seems to line up at the right time — the coaching, the players, the chemistry and sometimes a little luck. They overcome tough moments, surprise people and build a story that grabs fans.
Their success feels bigger than stats — it feels like heart, belief and timing all coming together.
In college football, there are two of those teams left in the four still competing for the national championship.
Indiana and Ole Miss.
Let’s start with Indiana.
When Curt Cignetti was hired at Indiana from James Madison two seasons ago, not even he could have imagined the losingest program in college football history would be where it is today.
Last season, Indiana went 11-2 and made a CFP appearance but wasn’t ready to compete with the big boys, losing to Ohio State and Notre Dame late.
This season, Cignetti has turned into Nick Saban 2.0 on the sideline and has put together one of the most dominant teams we’ve seen in college football. The Hoosiers are No. 1 at 14-0 with wins over Oregon, Ohio State and Alabama. Whatever doubt existed evaporated in Pasadena.
Indiana didn’t sneak past Alabama. Indiana dominated Alabama.
They controlled the line of scrimmage. They leaned on a run game that doesn’t get enough attention. Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza stayed calm, and Charlie Becker continues to emerge at the perfect time. Meanwhile, the defense suffocates opponents and rarely blinks. They don’t miss blocks, they hardly miss tackles and they’re always in the right spot.
They are extremely well-coached and the betting favorite to win the national championship.
That’s right — Indiana, 3-9 just two years ago, is two wins away from its first national championship.
It feels like this Hoosier team has done everything but win it all — which is why they feel like a team of destiny.
Ole Miss is the second.
This is a Rebel team that, for all intents and purposes, shouldn’t still be here — and yet refuses to leave.
Back in October, Ole Miss was undefeated before losing to Georgia. By November, Lane Kiffin’s name was everywhere. Distractions were everywhere, and it would have been understandable if the Rebels slipped.
Instead, they kept winning, finished 11-1 and secured a home playoff game. On Nov. 30, Kiffin left for LSU, taking much of the offensive staff with him. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding took over, and the Rebels prepared for Tulane.
There were distractions everywhere, but the team stuck together. Trinidad Chambliss has stacked two video-game performances to put Ole Miss one win from the national title game.
They hung 473 yards on Georgia. Chambliss looks built for big moments. Kewan Lacy plays through pain. And every time chaos hits, Ole Miss steadies itself.
Eventually, you stop asking, “How are they doing this?”
And start thinking: “Of course they’re doing this.”
Lose your head coach, hold everything together, and keep advancing?
That’s team-of-destiny stuff.
Now, Miami and Oregon might have something to say about this.
Oregon has had a tremendous year. Its only loss was to Indiana, and the Ducks are chasing redemption. They’ve never won it all and they’ve flown under the national radar.
Miami has its own chip. After two early losses, the Hurricanes rattled off six straight, including wins over Texas A&M and Ohio State.
Here are my semifinal picks:
CFP Semifinal, Vrbo Fiesta Bowl: No. 10 Miami vs. No. 6 Ole Miss (+3.5)
This comes down to Chambliss’ legs. Miami has the edge up front, especially with Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor. Ole Miss’ run game may struggle with Lacy banged up. But mobile quarterbacks neutralize pass rushes. If Miami keeps it ugly and avoids a shootout, it has the edge. Still — it’s hard to pick against Ole Miss right now.
Pick: Ole Miss 31, Miami 28
CFP Semifinal, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 1 Indiana (-4)
It’s nearly impossible to pick against Indiana. Behind Roman Hemby and balance, the Hoosiers control the line, keep Mendoza comfortable and let Elijah Sarratt and the other receivers finish drives. Defensively, Indiana limits explosives and forces Oregon to play slow. The Ducks will punch back — but Indiana’s discipline wins the night.
Pick: Indiana 31, Oregon 17
