INDIANAPOLIS — The first hit Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza took in the Big Ten title game nearly ended his night.

Mendoza was on the receiving end of a violent hit from Ohio State defensive end Caden Curry on the game's first offensive snap, leaving him laying motionless and face-down on the ground for what seemed like an eternity to the IU fans getting settled into their seats at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night, Dec. 6.

The game's MVP wound up missing just a single snap for the No. 2 Hoosiers (13-0).

"I can't say enough about the way he competes," Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti said after the 13-10 win . "He's got the heart of a champion, and played great tonight and when we needed him."

Cignetti actually missed the hit that left Mendoza sprawled out on

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