MIAMI — 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.

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,” Medoza said during a news conference on Tuesday morning about Indiana’s first national title. And, the Cuban American added, “The Hoosier spirit ... foreshadows the many long celebrations that there are going to be.”

Curt Cignetti, Indiana Hoosiers head coach, told reporters the Monday night celebration for some players stretched well into Tuesday morning after the 27-21 victory at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

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

Mendoza sat near his teammate Mikail Kamara, who blocked a punt in the third quarter that Isaiah Jones recovered for a touchdown, and was named the defensive player of the game.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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

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