#image_title
0
0
PASADENA, Calif. — Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza delivered a performance befitting college football’s most prestigious individual honor, leading the Hoosiers to a 38-3 rout of Alabama in the Rose Bowl on Thursday to reach the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Mendoza, who won the 2025 Heisman Trophy last month, validated that award with a poised, efficient showing that left no doubt about his standing among the nation’s elite. His play today built on an historic season in which he became the first Indiana player to capture college football’s highest individual accolade, outpacing Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia and other finalists in voting. Heisman
Indiana’s dominance began early and carried through all four quarters. The Hoosiers controlled the line of scrimmage, dictated tempo with balanced offense, and frustrated Alabama’s vaunted defense from the outset.
EARLY CONTROL AND FIRST SCORE
Neither team scored in the opening quarter, but Indiana’s methodical approach gave it a clear edge in field position and possession time.
The deadlock broke midway through the second quarter. Mendoza orchestrated a structured drive that chewed up clock and yards, culminating in a 31-yard field goal by Nico Radicic.
Alabama struggled to generate offense, repeatedly stalled by Indiana’s aggressive front and disciplined secondary.
MENDOZA EXTENDS LEAD BEFORE HALFTIME
Indiana seized full control later in the second quarter. On a drive fueled by short passes and decisive runs, Mendoza found Charlie Becker for a 21-yard touchdown, pushing the lead to 10-0.
Before halftime, Mendoza struck again. With seconds left on the clock, he delivered a 1-yard touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr., closing a 75-yard drive and sending Indiana into the locker room ahead 17-0.
Alabama’s offense, hindered by pressure and inconsistent protection, managed only modest yardage before the break.
ALABAMA GETS ON THE BOARD, BUT MENDOZA ANSWERS
Alabama’s lone points came early in the third quarter. Backup quarterback Austin Mack led the Tide on a brief, efficient series that stalled in field-goal range. Conor Talty’s 28-yard field goal cut the deficit to 17-3.
Any momentum Alabama hoped to build was quickly erased. Indiana responded with precision, and Mendoza orchestrated another long possession. He capped it with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt, extending the lead to 24-3.
HOOSIERS CRUISE LATE
In the fourth quarter, Indiana’s physical ground game wore down Alabama’s defense. Kaelon Black broke free for a 25-yard touchdown run early in the period. Later, Roman Hemby finished a sustained drive with an 18-yard scoring run to complete the rout.
Indiana’s defense remained suffocating, limiting Alabama to under 200 total yards and forcing frequent three-and-outs. Alabama’s signature offensive weapons never found separation against the Hoosiers’ disciplined scheme.
MENDOZA’S HEISMAN SEASON SOLIDIFIED
Mendoza’s performance underscored why he captured the Heisman Trophy in December. The redshirt junior led Indiana to a perfect regular season and the Big Ten Championship, topping national statistics in touchdown passes and quarterback rating while guiding the Hoosiers to their first No. 1 ranking in program history. Heisman
His efficiency, leadership and ability to deliver in big moments gave voters confidence over strong rivals such as Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, who finished second in Heisman voting but will not compete in the CFP semifinals. Heisman
Today, Mendoza’s poise and production on college football’s biggest stage reinforced that narrative.
WHAT IT MEANS
Indiana improved to 14-0 and advanced to face Oregon in the Peach Bowl semifinal. The matchup will determine a berth in the CFP National Championship.
Alabama closed its season at 11-4. The Crimson Tide were outplayed on both sides of the ball from the opening kickoff, unable to stem Indiana’s balanced attack or contain Mendoza’s consistent efficiency.
About the Author
