Fernando Mendoza and the Indiana University football team's dream season continues, and the quarterback was quick to give credit to God for the team's unprecedented success.
"First, I want to give all the glory to God," said Mendoza, after throwing for five touchdown passes in a 56-22 romp over the University of Oregon in the Peach Bowl on Friday, January 9 in Atlanta. He was named the offensive MVP of the game.
Mendoza congratulated his teammates, specifically the defense, before pivoting back to God and sharing his faith to a national audience.
"The man up above has done so much for us today, and has helped myself and our entire team play at such a high level," he said.
The College Football Playoff National Championship game will be held at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, near where Mendoza grew up. As a child, he would play basketball games and other sports on the University of Miami's campus, he said.
Making it to the national championship, "means a lot, it means the world," said Mendoza. "And I couldn't have done this without God."
Watch the full interview:
During the football season, Mendoza has frequently professed his faith both on and off the field. During his Heisman Trophy ceremony, he spoke about his Catholic faith, saying it was "maybe the sole reason" behind his success on the field. Mendoza is the first-ever Heisman winner from Indiana University.
Upon returning to campus, Mendoza brought the Heisman to celebrate with the priests of the St. Paul Catholic Center, the Catholic parish and Newman Center at Indiana University.
Indiana University will play the University of Miami in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19, in Miami.
