Heroes, zeros and full blitz from Indiana’s 27-21 CFP National Championship win over Miami:
Hero
Jamari Sharpe will never have to pay for a meal in Bloomington, Ind. again. The defensive back from Miami picked off Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck with 52 seconds left deep in Indiana territory to seal the national championship. It was the junior’s first interception of the season.
Zero
Three points changed everything. Miami’s Carter Davis’ missed 50-yard field goal at the end of the first half proved to be crucial late. Rather than needing a field goal in the final minute, the Hurricanes had to score a touchdown, and had to force the ball downfield.
Unsung Hero
For three quarters, Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza struggled against Miami’s fierce pass rush. With the national championship on the line, he came through. Mendoza scored on a gutty 12-yard touchdown run and completed 4-of-7 passes for 70 yards in the final quarter. All four completions converted first downs on either third or fourth down.
Key Stat
2 – Indiana became just the second team ever to go a perfect 16-0, joining Yale way back in 1894.
Quote of the Day
“I had to go airborne. I would die for my team.” — Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza on his 12-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
