BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza has become the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman after a 63-10 win over Illinois .

After watching film of IU's first four games, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz told reporters during his weekly press conference Tuesday that Mendoza is certainly a worthy candidate.

"Somebody was saying he's the leader for the Heisman," Ferentz said. "I don't have a Heisman vote, but I'd vote for him based on what I have seen."

The comments echo what Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry said about Mendoza leading up to last week's game. Henry labeled Mendoza an NFL-level talent "with an arm as live as live can get."

Mendoza has thrown for 975 yards (76.8%) with 14 touchdowns and no interceptions for the No. 12 Hoosiers (4-0).

His compl

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