MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., Jan. 19 (UPI) -- Fernando Mendoza glared at his fingertips, spotting bloodshed from a split lip courtesy of Miami's nasty defense.
The Miami native responded to the first quarter slash by literally licking his wound, delivering in the clutch and guiding the Indiana Hoosiers to a 27-21 win over the Hurricanes (13-3) for their first national title at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
"Everybody doubted us at the beginning of the year," Mendoza, the Offensive Player of the Game, said at the trophy presentation.
"We didn't make it this far not to lay it on the line."
Fernando Mendoza took a hit on this play pic.twitter.com/phaZoT2X92— ESPN (@espn) January 20, 2026
