Thrilling comeback vaults Mendoza to top of Heisman conversation

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza has his Heisman moment.

On Saturday, College Football Playoff No. 2 Indiana (10-0, 7-0 in Big Ten) survived a fourth-quarter collapse against upset-minded Penn State (3-6, 0-6 in Big Ten), 27-24, needing heroics from Mendoza on a late two-minute drive after blowing a 20-7 lead. The win not only inched the Hoosiers closer to a first-round playoff bye but may have solidified Mendoza as the leader in this year’s Heisman race.

Game-winning drive versus Penn State is Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman moment

When Indiana needed Mendoza the most, he delivered, going 5-of-8 for 87 yards and the winning touchdown with 36 seconds left on the Hoosiers’ final possession. His performance down the stretch made up for an earlier miscue in the quarter when an interception set up Penn State’s go-ahead touchdown.

Mendoza didn’t have flashy numbers overall, ending the game 19-of-30 for 218 yards, one touchdown and one interception. But that makes his winning drive even more impressive. Mendoza was nowhere near his best against the Nittany Lions, yet he still managed to do enough the win.

He was aided by some absurd catches, including sophomore wide receiver Charlie Becker’s 17-yarder that set Indiana up with a 1st-and-goal at Penn State’s 7-yard line and junior wideout Omar Cooper Jr.’s ridiculous toe-tapping grab at the back of the end zone for the late lead.