Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza has guided the No. 1 Hoosiers through the gauntlet of the College Football Playoff with consummate ease. Famously, Mendoza has accounted for more touchdowns (eight) than he has incomplete passes (five) during the playoff as the Hoosiers attempt to win their first national championship.
Mendoza is one game away from leading the Hoosiers to a perfect season (16-0), but he will come up against a hard-nosed Miami Hurricanes defense that has defied expectations to reach the national championship game.
Mario Cristobal Praises Fernando Mendoza’s Talents
During his weekly news conference, Miami coach Mario Cristobal lavished praise on Mendoza’s talent, breaking down the qualities that have made him the reigning Heisman Trophy winner.
“I think he combines everything that you would want in an elite quarterback,” Cristobal said. “He’s ahead of the defense all the time. He’s two steps ahead. He understands the back end, the front. He’s extremely accurate, poised. He can make you pay with his feet. He can make you pay with his arm. He understands protections really well. He anticipates like no other,” Cristobal said.
“He really has distinguished himself as the best football player in the country this year, and it’s not by accident. A lot of reps, a lot of hard work, a guy that’s been a complete difference-maker for their program,” he added.
In a full circle moment, Cristobal also played high school football with the Indiana quarterback’s father in Dade County.
Mendoza Explains National Championship Game Approach
Mendoza has outperformed several elite quarterbacks in the College Football Playoff, including the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide’s Ty Simpson and the No. 5 Oregon Ducks’ Dante Moore, solidifying his position as the best quarterback in the country.
Speaking after the Peach Bowl win against the Oregon Ducks, Mendoza explained his approach towards the national championship game against Miami.
“You don’t gotta be Superman,” Mendoza said. “We have a great defense and great playmakers… just do your job. My job is to be effective with making really accurate balls and really great decisions… That’s what I pride myself on every single play. Game one, I threw zero touchdown passes. I was trying to be Superman.”
Mendoza finished the season with 3,349 passing yards, resulting in 41 touchdowns and six interceptions, while adding 284 rushing yards and six touchdowns for the unbeaten Indiana this season.
His impressive season earned him a PFSN College QB Impact OFFI score of 93.5, the best in the country.
