Definitions:
I Formation: An offensive formation where the QB lines up right behind the center, and a Fullback (blocking runningback) lines up in front of the running back, which creates an I.
QB Draw Run: An offensive football play where the QB fakes a pass, in order to create deception for the defense, then runs the ball up through a lane that is created by offensive linemen/blocking tight ends.
That was the perfect curtain closer for the Indiana University football team’s journey in 2025. From an overall standpoint, the Hoosiers faced the hardest challenge that they’ve faced all year. If I were to give Indiana Hoosiers fans truth serum, they probably would admit to wanting a challenge in the championship game. Aside from the Big Ten Championship game against the Ohio State University and tough regular-season matchups against the University of Iowa and the Pennsylvania State University, the Hoosiers didn’t face true adversity, which would’ve felt wrong.
The University of Miami football team and Head Coach Mario Cristobal were up to the challenge on defense, and got pressure on Fernando Mendoza, senior quarterback. In the first half, both teams struggled to score on offense, but IU was marginally better and established some momentum, scoring a hard-earned 10 points. The Miami Hurricanes’ defensive line was setting the tempo early, as Rueben Bain Jr., junior defensive lineman, and the rest of Miami’s pass rush were roughing Mendoza up, making Indiana’s offensive line look more human than anticipated.
Despite the pressure, Mendoza and the Hoosiers didn’t shrink under the bright lights. On their fourth drive, they started to get some real momentum, as Indiana University’s offensive coordinator, Mike Shanahan, brewed up the right mix of run and pass plays, which led the team all the way down to the goal line. On that goal line, the Hoosiers met with a 3rd and goal opportunity and brought in heavy personnel for some old-school football. They subbed on two extra offensive linemen, as eligible receivers, and brought in two tight ends, one of which lined up as the fullback in front of Kaelon Black, senior running back, in the backfield. However, Black didn’t get the ball, as Riley Nowakowski, senior tight end, got the carry and easily made it in for six.
On the other side of the ball, the Hurricanes struggled to get yards, which ultimately put them behind the 8-ball early on. They had trouble running the ball, and Carsen Beck, senior quarterback, was making some questionable reads, leading to some questionable throws. As a result, Miami’s offense was comatose for most of the first half, managing to gain 26 yards up until the last drive. D’Angelo Ponds, IU’s junior cornerback, was an absolute menace all night, making multiple pass breakups in the secondary. Aiden Fisher, IU’s senior linebacker, got home once, sacking Beck, but Miami’s offensive line was strong for most of the night.
However, in the second half, Beck made some good throws that weren’t there in the first half. The Hurricanes’ running game also got a spark, as Mark Fletcher Jr., junior running back, scored two second-half rushing touchdowns, the longest a 57-yard explosion. However, the X-factor for Miami’s offense was Malachi Toney, freshman wide receiver, who had 10 receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown. Toney is a “playmaker,” like legendary Hall-of-Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin would say.
For Indiana, their running backs, Roman Hemby, senior running back, and Black shared the backfield, as expected, and ran the ball well enough, combining for 139 rushing yards. While Omar Cooper Jr., junior wide receiver, led the team in receptions and receiving yards (5 receptions for 71 yards), Charlie Becker, sophomore wide receiver, made some immaculate catches, especially on the 4th down and five-yard sideline play, where the Hoosiers absolutely needed to get points to keep the Hurricanes outside of reach.
But when the game was truly on the line, it came down to Mendoza, who made one of the greatest plays in the history of college football on the QB draw run up the middle for a touchdown. The play will be immortalized in the history books and is a no-brainer for Mendoza’s statue in Bloomington.
The job that Indiana’s Head Coach, Curt Cignetti, has done to not only build up a major football program in just two years, but to build a team that plays as disciplined as the Hoosiers do is remarkable. Cignetti and this team proved that you don’t need dozens of four and five-star recruits to win. You can win with guys that fit your scheme and play disciplined football.
Cignetti will have a legacy alongside Bobby Knight and Lee Corso as one of the greatest coaches in Indiana University’s storied history of athletics.