Fernando Mendoza put on a clinic against Oregon in the Peach Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal, but he was overshadowed on social media by an unexpected person.
During Indiana’s Friday night demolition of Oregon, viewers noticed ESPN cutting away multiple times to Mendoza’s aunt in the stands, a running broadcast beat that quickly became a viral side story alongside the quarterback’s five touchdown passes.
One viewer wrote, “cameraman knew what he was doing fr.” Another man added, “His aunt looks like she’s only in her late 20’s.” Someone else admitted, “I actually thought it was the QB’s sister.””Another person put it plainly: “The cameraman understands where the camera belongs.”
Indiana Did Not Just Win. Indiana Erased Oregon
No. 1 Indiana demolished No. 5 Oregon 56-22, taking a 35-7 lead into halftime behind Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza’s five touchdown passes and Kaelon Black’s two rushing scores. The Hoosiers’ defense set the tone by holding Oregon to early field goals before the Ducks found late points in garbage time.
Indiana improved to 15-0, completing a stunning turnaround from Big Ten doormat to unbeaten powerhouse under Curt Cignetti, who, postgame, said he was eyeing a beer. Mendoza, meanwhile, described the Hoosiers as misfits.
Mendoza Was Surgical
Mendoza’s stat line was absolutely insane. He went 17-for-20 for 177 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions as Indiana looked unstoppable against Oregon.
Why Did ESPN Keep Cutting To Mendoza’s Family?
The viral aunt moment happened in the same section of the stands where Mendoza’s mom, Elsa, was watching again.
Elsa has shared her heartbreaking battle with Multiple Sclerosis and has become an inspiration connected to the quarterback from Florida.
The Title Game Is Set, and the Whole Family Is Coming With Him
Indiana will face No. 10 Miami on January 19th for the title in Miami Gardens.
Fernando’s younger brother, Alberto Mendoza, a redshirt freshman, is also on the Hoosiers roster. That means both brothers will have a chance to win a national championship.
Mendoza is now one win away from bringing the first national championship to Bloomington, Indiana. And if ESPN’s cameraman has anything to say about it, the family might be trending again before the opening kickoff.
