Colin Cowherd Says Indiana's Offense Needs Fernando Mendoza to Compete
Analyst Colin Cowherd argued that head coach Curt Cignetti received too much credit for Indiana's national title run, pointing to quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the true catalyst for the team's success.
🎓College SportsPhoto: Fox Sports
Key points
- Colin Cowherd stated Fernando Mendoza deserved at least half the credit for Indiana's 16-0 national title season.
- Indiana is 6-0 against ranked opponents with Mendoza averaging 38 points, compared to 0-3 and 15 points without him.
- The ninth-ranked Hoosiers are set to host No. 18 USC on Saturday following a bye week.
Speaking on Wednesday's episode of 'The Herd,' analyst Colin Cowherd asserted that Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti has received an overwhelming majority of the praise for the program's recent national championship. Cowherd emphasized that quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who currently starts for the Las Vegas Raiders, deserved at least half of the credit for steering the Hoosiers to a flawless 16-0 season.
Highlighting the stark statistical difference in high-stakes matchups, Cowherd noted that Indiana averaged 38 points and won by an average of three touchdowns against ranked opponents with Mendoza under center. Conversely, without Mendoza, the Hoosiers hold a 0-3 record while averaging only 15 points per contest. Cowherd described Cignetti as an exceptional coach who has established a strong cultural foundation, but clarified that the program differs fundamentally from the powerhouse dynasties built by Nick Saban at Alabama.
Cowherd characterized Cignetti's offensive approach as conservative and stated that Mendoza served as the ultimate ceiling for a team that could have dropped multiple games without him. The comments arrive as the ninth-ranked Hoosiers prepare to host No. 18 USC on Saturday following a bye week that saw Indiana slip five spots in the latest College Football Playoff rankings.
What to watch next: No. 9 Indiana hosts No. 18 USC on Saturday.
Source Fox Sports — foxsports.com/stories/college-football/colin-cowherd-indiana-the-of… ↗
Read next
⚾MLBMets Set to Hire Former Pitching Coach Derek Johnson as Advisor
The New York Mets are adding veteran pitching strategist Derek Johnson to their staff in an advisory role following his departure from the Cincinnati Reds.
⚽Soccer in the USManchester United Nears Agreement to Appoint Mauricio Pochettino
Manchester United is finalizing a deal to name Mauricio Pochettino as their new head coach, bringing an end to years of speculation linking the manager to the club.
🏒NHLMinnesota Wild Face Toronto Maple Leafs in Thursday Night Matchup
The Minnesota Wild travel to Toronto to take on the Maple Leafs in an NHL clash at Scotiabank Arena.
⚾MLBRed Sox Target Right-Handed Power, Actively Shopping Jarren Duran
The Boston Red Sox have reached out to free agent outfielder Seiya Suzuki and catcher Ryan Jeffers as they attempt to balance a heavily left-handed lineup.
🏀NBA & WNBANo. 17 Ohio State Hosts No. 4 UConn in Women's Basketball Clash
The undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes look to extend their home winning streak as they welcome the UConn Huskies on November 12, 2026.
⚽Soccer in the USSergiño Dest Sidelined for USMNT's Nations League Quarterfinals Against Haiti
USMNT defender Sergiño Dest will miss the upcoming Concacaf Nations League matches due to a minor injury, marking the third withdrawal from Mauricio Pochettino's squad.