The Indiana Hoosiers have shocked the college football world, going a perfect 13-0 and knocking off the number one team in the nation, the Ohio State Buckeyes en route to winning the Big Ten Championship. Head coach Curt Cignetti has completely changed what many believed to be possible in college football, a sport that has historically been dominated by its “blue bloods.”
For what it’s worth, winning the Big Ten and competing for national championships isn’t coming as a surprise for Cignetti, who made it clear as soon as he touched down in Bloomington that he wasn’t afraid of the Michigans and Ohio States of college football.
“Purdue sucks…so does Michigan and Ohio State,” he declared before ever even coaching a game for Indiana.
As great as Cignetti has been for the Hoosiers, who are heading into the College Football Playoff as the number one overall seed, he can’t step in between the lines on Saturdays. It’s still up to the players to execute, and nobody has executed as well as star quarterback Fernando Mendoza this season.
Mendoza was lights out all season, throwing for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns to just six interceptions heading into the Rose Bowl, including multiple big-time throws against the Buckeyes.
Now, Mendoza is receiving the sport’s highest honors in recognition for all he has accomplished this season, winning the Heisman Trophy, the first time an IU football player has ever won the trophy.
In his acceptance speech, Mendoza made sure to mention his mom, who is battling multiple sclerosis.
“Mami, this is your trophy as much as it is mine. You’ve always been my biggest fan. You’re my light. You’re my Why. You’re my biggest supporter. Your sacrifice, courage, love those have been my first playbook, and the playbook that I’m gonna carry through my sides through my entire life,” Mendoza said. “You taught me that toughness doesn’t need to be loud. It can be quiet and strong. It’s choosing hope. It’s believing in yourself when the world doesn’t give you much reason to.
“Together, you and I are rewinding what people think is possible. I love you.”
As great as things have gone for Cignetti and Mendoza this season, they still have their eyes set on the ultimate prize. The Hoosiers start their quest for the National Championship in the Granddaddy of Them All on New Year’s Day.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.