Indiana completed one of the most stunning yet resounding championship runs in college football history.
Fernando Mendoza bulldozed his way into the end zone and Indiana bullied its way into the history books Monday night, toppling Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story, an undefeated season and the national title.
The Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his tackle-breaking, sprawled-out 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 left that defined this game — and the Hoosiers' season.
Indiana would not be denied.
Mendoza's TD gave turnaround artist Curt Cignetti’s team a 10-point lead — barely enough breathing room to hold off a frenzied charge by the hard-hitting Hurricanes, who bloodied Mendoza’s lip early, then came to life late behind 112 yards and two scores from Mark Fletcher but never took the lead.
The key play to the game: While the Hoosiers continued their offensive struggles, their special teams unit delivered a touchdown. Sixth-year senior defensive lineman Mikail Kamara blocked a punt that redshirt junior linebacker Isaiah Jones recovered in the endzone to put the Cream and Crimson up 17-7.
What started as a Cinderella story in 2024 morphed into the Big Bad Wolf in 2025 finishing for the first time 16-0 in the modern era.
Sources:
The Helmet Project: http://nationalchamps.net/Helmet_Project/index.htm
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1145292-power-ranking-all-124-college-football-stadiums
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