Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza led the No. 2 Hoosiers to a 13-10 win over the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday. Mendoza led the Hoosiers to their first Big Ten title in 58 years, and according to PFSN’s College Football Playoff Meter, they have a 17.1% chance of winning the national championship.
Individually, Mendoza went 15-of-23 for 222 yards, resulting in one touchdown and one interception to boost his case for the Heisman Trophy.
What Did Fernando Mendoza Say To Address the Heisman Hype?
Going into the Big Ten championship game, Mendoza and talented Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin were neck and neck in the Heisman Trophy race. Sayin went 21-of-29 for 258 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the game.
During his postgame news conference, Mendoza credited his teammates for putting him in a prime position to win the prestigious accolade.
“Coach Cignetti brought me in and he told me, ‘The Heisman is a team award, it’s not a player award. If you win, you can get nominated for it.’ I would love the opportunity to get the invite to New York, which would be fantastic.
“I think it’s really a testament to the team, it’s not a player award, it’s a team award. I think it’s a testament to how much this team has had that never-ending process of learning and getting better, and that has culminated to this point.”
Mendoza has tallied 2,980 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while adding 240 rushing yards and six touchdowns for the undefeated Indiana this season. On the other hand, Sayin has registered 3,323 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and six interceptions to steer the Buckeyes to a 12-1 record.
Mendoza Explains Indiana’s Success This Season
After reaching the playoffs last season, the Hoosiers were expected to fade this season, but they have just gone 13-0 going into the showcase event after beating the No. 1 team in the country.
During his postgame news conference, Mendoza explained coach Curt Cignetti’s team’s success.
“We’re process-oriented,” Mendoza said. “We’re going day-by-day, whether it’s the offensive line, the defense, the coaches, special teams, we’re all process-oriented to one goal. That’s our thing. Because we’re brothers, we can drag teams into the deep end because we know we’re going to stick together and we’re the strongest glue ever.
“We were never supposed to be in this position, but by the glory of God, the great coaches, great teammates, everyone we have around us, we were able to pull this off. Whoever thought the Hoosiers would be here? But now the Hoosiers are flippin’ champs! Let’s go!”
Mendoza could head into the College Football Playoff with a Heisman Trophy and the chance to lead the Hoosiers to an unprecedented national championship win.
