‘It’s a great honor’: Mendoza reacts after CFP National Championship victory

Fernando Mendoza’s 12-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave the Indiana Hoosiers a 10-point lead against the Miami Hurricanes during the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Monday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

The Hoosiers’ quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, a graduate of Christopher Columbus High School in Miami-Dade County, was 16 of 27 for 186 yards and was named the offensive player of the game.

“I think it’s a great honor, a great privilege, to be a part of the team,” Medoza said during a news conference on Tuesday morning about Indiana’s first national title.

Curt Cignetti, Indiana Hoosier’s head coach, told reporters the celebration for some players went well into the morning.

“I heard one of them didn’t even get to bed yet,” Cignetti said.

Mendoza’s teammate Mikail Kamara, who blocked a punt in the third quarter that Isaiah Jones recovered for a touchdown, was named the defensive player of the game. He also made four tackles.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.