In a dramatic showdown at Miami Gardens, Florida, Fernando Mendoza powered his way into the spotlight, securing a historic victory for Indiana over Miami with a 27-21 win on Monday night. This triumph not only completed an undefeated season but also crowned the team as national champions, marking the culmination of an incredible journey from underdogs to top contenders.

Despite a modest passing yardage of 186, it was Mendoza’s tenacity that stole the show. His decisive 12-yard touchdown run on a crucial fourth-and-4 play, with just over nine minutes remaining, showcased the grit that defined both the game and the Hoosiers’ remarkable season. The Heisman Trophy winner’s ability to break tackles and push forward was emblematic of Indiana’s refusal to back down.

Under the leadership of Curt Cignetti, a coach renowned for turning teams around, Indiana seized a 10-point advantage thanks to Mendoza’s pivotal touchdown. Although the Miami Hurricanes launched a fierce comeback, spurred by Mark Fletcher’s impressive 112 yards and two touchdowns, they could not overtake the determined Hoosiers. Mendoza, who even sustained a bloodied lip, epitomized resilience against the aggressive Miami defense.

The victory sends the College Football Playoff trophy to Bloomington, Indiana, a location few would have predicted. This achievement is particularly significant for a program that had endured a staggering 713 losses over more than 130 years before Cignetti’s arrival two seasons ago. Now, Indiana stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and transformation in college football.

The College Football Playoff trophy now heads to the most unlikely of places: Bloomington, Indiana — a campus that endured a nation-leading 713 losses over 130-plus years of football before Cignetti arrived two years ago to embark on a revival for the ages.

Indiana finished 16-0 — using the extra games afforded by the expanded 12-team playoff to match a perfect-season win total last compiled by Yale in 1894.

In a bit of symmetry, this undefeated title comes 50 years after Bob Knight’s basketball team went 32-0 to win it all in that state’s favorite sport.

Players like Mendoza — a transfer from Cal who grew up just a few miles away from Miami’s campus, “The U” — certainly don’t come around often.

Two fourth-down gambles by Cignetti in the fourth quarter, after Fletcher’s second touchdown carved the Hurricanes’ deficit to three, put Mendoza in position to shine.

The first was a 19-yard-completion to Charlie Becker on a back-shoulder fade those guys have been perfecting all season. Four plays later came a decision and play that wins championships.

Cignetti sent his kicker out on fourth-and-4 from the 12, but quickly called his second timeout. The team huddled on the field and the coach drew up a quarterback draw.

Mendoza, not known as a run-first guy, slipped one tackle, then took a hit and spun around. He kept his feet, then left them, going horizontal and stretching the ball out — a ready-made poster pic for a title run straight from the movies.