But Heisman Trophy contender Fernando Mendoza choreographed a game-winning drive that ended in an acrobatic touchdown grab by Omar Cooper Jr., moving the No. 2-ranked Hoosiers to 10-0 on the season after the 27-24 win.
It has been that kind of season for Curt Cignetti and Co. so far, and the second-year coach showed some rare emotion in the immediate aftermath of his team’s come-from-behind win.
‘Great play in the end zone,’ Cignetti told Fox Sports sideline reporter Jenny Taft. ‘Didn’t draw it up in the dirt but, I mean we saw what they were doing. And it was a great throw and catch. And you know what? This was an unbelievable win. I’ve seen a lot of stuff in my days. I’ve never seen anything quite like this.’
Mendoza took a sack on first-and-10 from Indiana’s own 20-yard line, moving the Hoosiers back to their own 13. With no timeouts remaining, the first-year Cal transfer set the tone for the remainder of the drive after hitting Cooper Jr. on a 22-yard rope down the seam on the next play.
Mendoza also found tight end Riley Nowakowski for a 29-yard gain on the drive, dropping in a pass between multiple defenders.
More magic came on third-and-goal from the 7 with 36 seconds remaining, when Cooper Jr. made perhaps the catch of the year for the game-winning score. Cooper Jr. leapt into the air and came down with the pass, miraculously keeping his flailing right leg from touching out of bounds before dragging his left foot in just inside the marker.
‘Refused to lose, basically,’ Cignetti told Fox sideline reporter Jenny Taft after the game. ‘Sacked on the (1-yard line), haven’t done anything the last five, six passes, he’s got no protection, right. Run the ball through us, play-action pass. No timeouts left, make a play on second and who knows what, 30? For a first down.’
Cignetti is now 21-2 in his second season at Indiana and is a virtual lock to reach the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive year.
‘Every game’s important,’ Cignetti said. ‘We played a little shorthanded, but that’s part of the deal for every team in America. And we gotta play better in a lot of different areas and we’re lucky to win, but I am so proud of these kids.’