01/19/26 10:20:00
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01/19 22:19 CST Indiana completes undefeated season and wins first national
title, beating Miami 27-21 in CFP final
Indiana completes undefeated season and wins first national title, beating
Miami 27-21 in CFP final
By EDDIE PELLS
AP National Writer
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) --- Fernando Mendoza bulldozed his way into the end
zone and Indiana bullied its way into the history books Monday night, toppling
Miami 27-21 to put the finishing touch on a rags-to-riches story, an undefeated
season and the national title.
The Heisman Trophy winner finished with 186 yards passing, but it was his
tackle-breaking, sprawled-out 12-yard touchdown run on fourth-and-4 with 9:18
left that defined this game --- and the Hoosiers' season.
Indiana would not be denied.
Mendoza's TD gave turnaround artist Curt Cignetti's team a 10-point lead ---
barely enough breathing room to hold off a frenzied charge by the hard-hitting
Hurricanes, who bloodied Mendoza's lip early, then came to life late behind 112
yards and two scores from Mark Fletcher but never took the lead.
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