Many said last year that when Indiana University football—a longtime struggling program—had a breakout season and made the college football playoffs, it was a one-year wonder and just a fluke.
It wasn’t a fluke.
And it was definitely was not just for the one year.
On a beautiful Monday night under the warm skies of beautiful Miami, the Indiana Hoosier football team completed its undefeated season by beating the Miami Hurricanes to win the national championship.
So, there it was. Two thoughts and two terms that previously would have been absolutely unthinkable when speaking of Indiana football. Undefeated…and national champions.
But here we are—and here they are! Proudly hoisting the trophy and celebrating the amazing accomplishment.
The game itself was pure drama, every bit worthy of the national championship moniker. Each time Indiana tried to pull away, Miami would fight back.
Few fans of either team could ever breathe easily.
The Hurricanes pressured and harassed Indiana quarterback and Heisman trophy winner Fernando Mendoza like no other team has. On offense, running back Mark Fletcher and wide receiver Malik Toney kept making big plays to keep Miami in the game.
The game was dotted by all kinds of crucial plays: blocked punts, clutch catches by receivers, fourth down gambles, key penalties, and tough running by backs on both teams.
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Probably the play and moment that will go down as the most memorable—and a picture for the ages—was on a dangerous fourth down gamble by Indiana from the 5-yard line, when they called a quarterback draw play. It was then, under the greatest of pressure, that QB Mendoza, known for his passing, not his running, brilliantly dodged his way through defensive traffic and then broke a tackle, while finally lunging almost totally horizontally while stretching the ball out into the end zone for a touchdown.
Photo-ready highlight and the game winning touchdown.
But it wasn’t over yet. On the final drive Miami was moving the ball down the field with under a minute left, and looking to score the game winning touchdown. It appeared the miracle season for the Hoosiers might finally come to an end.
It was then that Hoosier defensive back Jamari Sharpe painted himself into Indiana sports lore by intercepting an underthrown pass by Miami quarterback Carson Beck, finally ending the suspense and clinching the championship for Indiana.
Amazing game. Amazing season. Amazing story.
Coach Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers completed one of the most sudden and dramatic turnarounds in all of sports history.
The Hoosiers. National champions. And it isn’t in basketball.
Who would’ve thunk it?
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