As if playing in the College Football Playoff national championship game wasn’t enough motivation, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza had a little extra incentive against the Miami Hurricanes. Coming out of Miami (FL) Columbus High School, Miami spurned Mendoza even as a walk-on.

Winning a national title does take a physical toll, as Fernando Mendoza's body proved in the aftermath of Indiana's 27-21 victory over Miami in the College Football Playoff on Monday night.

Indiana’s national championship is a sign of the changes that have happened to college football in recent years. However, it’s still Ohio State ahead of other big-name program

Indiana beat Miami 27–21 to win the College Football Playoff national championship on Monday and cap one of the greatest seasons in college football history. The Hoosiers became the first 16-0 team in the modern era, and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza turned in a signature play that will go down in history as well.

Fernando Mendoza, who grew up in Miami, wasn't even offered a walk-on spot with the Hurricanes coming out of high school.

Monday night wrapped up a dream run for Fernando Mendoza, who just led Indiana to the first national title in school history. After transferring from Cal, Mendoza took his game to another level and separated himself from every other quarterback in college football.

Fernando Mendoza was playing a few miles from the home he grew up. Fans at his high school offered their thoughts on the Heisman Trophy winner.

Indiana's star quarterback put the cherry on top of the stunning season that wouldn't have been possible without him.

Indiana, 27-21 victors over Miami, has won a football national championship, as improbable a sentence ever typed in American sports history.