Fernando Mendoza’s Stellar Performance
Fernando Mendoza’s remarkable performance throughout the College Football Playoff has left an indelible mark, showcasing precisely why he was awarded the Heisman Trophy. Over the course of Indiana’s playoff run, he threw an impressive eight touchdown passes while only throwing five incompletions—an astonishing feat during Indiana’s resounding victories against Alabama (38-3) and Oregon (56-22) in the earlier playoff rounds. Though his numbers dipped somewhat in the finals, where Indiana triumphed 27-21 over Miami, he exhibited remarkable composure, particularly during critical moments.
Key Moments and Stats
The standout play came when Mendoza executed a crucial 12-yard touchdown run on a fourth-and-4 in the fourth quarter, extending Indiana’s lead to 24-14. Under constant pressure from Miami’s formidable defensive duo, Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, Mendoza managed to maintain possession without coughing up turnovers—an essential contributor to Indiana’s success. This entire playoff performance earned him a well-deserved spot on the Associated Press’ all-playoff team, which highlights exceptional players across various positions.
Mendoza’s stats for the playoffs were as eye-catching as they come: completing 74% of his passes for a total of 555 yards, while achieving eight touchdown passes and one rushing touchdown without any interceptions.
Notable Players from Other Teams
On Miami’s side, running back Mark Fletcher proved to be an unstoppable force, amassing 507 rushing yards across four playoff games. Fletcher not only recorded at least 90 rushing yards in every game, but he also contributed significantly by scoring two touchdowns against Indiana in the title game.
Another notable player was Kewan Lacy from Ole Miss, who showcased his skills with 288 rushing yards and four touchdowns, displaying remarkable consistency throughout the playoffs. Among the top receivers, Indiana’s Charlie Becker came up clutch with key receptions in the championship game, while Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith made a significant impact despite a short playoff run.
Defensive Standouts
Defensively, the accolades were shared among several standout players, including Miami’s Rueben Bain and Akheem Mesidor, who both made their mark with outstanding sack totals throughout the playoffs. They were complemented by other defensive stalwarts such as Indiana’s Aiden Fisher and Miami’s Mohamed Toure, who consistently disrupted opposing offenses and racked up tackles.
Special Teams Excellence
On special teams, Indiana’s Mitch McCarthy exhibited extraordinary punting skills, averaging 46.6 yards per punt, while Lucas Carneiro of Ole Miss excelled in field-goal accuracy, concluding the playoff with a commendable 90% success rate.
Conclusion
As the postseason drew to a close, Mendoza not only captured the championship title with Indiana but also the acclaim from the AP’s all-playoff team—a true testament to an unforgettable season in college football.
The complete rundown of top performers across positions solidifies the talent displayed during this playoff season and serves as a reminder of the thrilling competition leading to Indiana’s remarkable championship victory.
