Indiana's Undefeated Season Ends with Thrilling CFP National Championship Win Over Miami
In a game that will be etched in the memories of college football fans for years to come, Indiana edged out Miami 27-21 to claim the national title. The Hoosiers, led by coach Curt Cignetti, made history by becoming the first team from the state to win the championship since 1952.
Fernando Mendoza's 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 left in the game was the defining moment of the night. The Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his athleticism and determination that sealed the deal. "I had to go airborne," Mendoza said, "I would die for my team."
The win marked a remarkable turnaround for Indiana, which finished with an undefeated season. The Hoosiers' improbable journey began two years ago, when Cignetti took over as coach. Since then, he has led the team to 16 wins and a national title.
Cignetti's strategy paid off in the fourth quarter, as he called two crucial fourth-down plays that set up Mendoza's game-winning touchdown run. The first play was a 19-yard completion to Charlie Becker on a back-shoulder fade, while the second play involved a quarterback draw that relied on the Hurricanes' defense being predictable.
Indiana's victory marked a fitting end to Cignetti's inaugural season as coach. "Took some chances, found a way," he said. "Let me tell you: We won the national championship at Indiana University. It can be done."
The win was also a testament to the team's resilience and determination. The Hoosiers were down by 10 points with just over a minute left in the game, but Mendoza's touchdown run gave them the lead.
President Donald Trump, who attended the game, praised both teams for their performance. "Congratulations to Indiana," he said. "Turned out to be a great game. Two great teams, wonderful teams with a lot of talent."
The victory will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Indiana football history. The team's unlikely journey from obscurity to national champions is a story that will inspire fans for years to come.
As for Mendoza, he proved himself to be a clutch player who can make big plays when it matters most. His performance capped off an incredible season, and he will likely be remembered as one of the greatest players in Indiana football history.
In a game that will be etched in the memories of college football fans for years to come, Indiana edged out Miami 27-21 to claim the national title. The Hoosiers, led by coach Curt Cignetti, made history by becoming the first team from the state to win the championship since 1952.
Fernando Mendoza's 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18 left in the game was the defining moment of the night. The Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his athleticism and determination that sealed the deal. "I had to go airborne," Mendoza said, "I would die for my team."
The win marked a remarkable turnaround for Indiana, which finished with an undefeated season. The Hoosiers' improbable journey began two years ago, when Cignetti took over as coach. Since then, he has led the team to 16 wins and a national title.
Cignetti's strategy paid off in the fourth quarter, as he called two crucial fourth-down plays that set up Mendoza's game-winning touchdown run. The first play was a 19-yard completion to Charlie Becker on a back-shoulder fade, while the second play involved a quarterback draw that relied on the Hurricanes' defense being predictable.
Indiana's victory marked a fitting end to Cignetti's inaugural season as coach. "Took some chances, found a way," he said. "Let me tell you: We won the national championship at Indiana University. It can be done."
The win was also a testament to the team's resilience and determination. The Hoosiers were down by 10 points with just over a minute left in the game, but Mendoza's touchdown run gave them the lead.
President Donald Trump, who attended the game, praised both teams for their performance. "Congratulations to Indiana," he said. "Turned out to be a great game. Two great teams, wonderful teams with a lot of talent."
The victory will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Indiana football history. The team's unlikely journey from obscurity to national champions is a story that will inspire fans for years to come.
As for Mendoza, he proved himself to be a clutch player who can make big plays when it matters most. His performance capped off an incredible season, and he will likely be remembered as one of the greatest players in Indiana football history.
, I know some people were saying the Hoosiers had no shot at making it to the national title but boy was I wrong 
! They played with so much heart and grit, I'm getting chills thinking about that last second win 
. And Fernando Mendoza is a total stud, I mean who else can make a game winning run on 4th and 4? 
The coaching was spot on too, Cignetti must have been pulling some magic tricks out there 
. I know the fans in Indy are going wild right now and honestly it's about time 
. This is the kind of moment that makes you wanna scream at your TV "GO HOOSIERS GO!" 
It was such a nail-biter game and to see them come out on top is just amazing 
I love how Mendoza went all out with that last-minute TD run 
it was like he had the magic in his hands 
And let's not forget about the team's resilience 
they were down by 10 points with only a minute left, but still managed to pull it off 
It's an incredible story that will inspire fans for years to come 
And can we talk about Mendoza's athleticism? 
just wow what a game! i mean indianas journey from obscurity to champs is insane 16 wins in two years they must've worked so hard as coach cignetti said it best "took some chances, found a way" and boy did they ever find a way to win that final touchdown run was crazy fernando mendoza's athleticism is insane how he just took off 
... I'm still trying to wrap my head around how they came from behind to win it all 
... and when he did, magic happened 
. These college football players have hearts of gold, you know? 
. Indiana's gonna be remembered as one of the all-time great teams... can't wait to see what they do next! 
i'm literally shaking with excitement! indiana's win is like a dream come true for all the hoosiers out there! can you believe this team made it from nowhere to national champs? 16 wins in just two years under coach cignetti is insane!
"i'd die for my team" 
we need more players like him who put their heart and soul into the game! that fourth-and-4 play was genius, i mean who comes up with these things? 
and that last minute td run? 
16 wins in one year under coach cignetti? that's straight up crazy talk 
.
. The Hoosiers' journey from obscurity to national champions is one for the ages, I'm loving it! 
OMG, this game was CRAZY!!! 
! Calling two crucial fourth-down plays that set up Mendoza's game-winning run. I would've been so nervous if I were the opposing team's defense 
!
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