When Ohio State DC Matt Patricia knew he had a problem against Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza

TL;DR

Ohio State's defensive coordinator Matt Patricia recognized a problem when Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza returned to the game after a hard hit. Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a 13-10 victory in the Big Ten Championship and later won the Heisman Trophy.

Key points

Matt Patricia recognized a problem with Mendoza's return to the game
Mendoza led Indiana to a 13-10 victory over Ohio State
He completed 15 of 23 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown
Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy after the championship
He was selected first overall in the NFL Draft

Fernando MendozaIndiana HoosiersOhio State BuckeyesBig Ten Football Championship

Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) scrambles past Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) and linebacker Arvell Reese (8) during the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. Ohio State lost 13-10. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Over half of Lucas Oil Stadium looked on in shock. Fernando Mendoza, Indiana’s Heisman hopeful quarterback, was laid out on the turf after a hit by Ohio State edge rusher Caden Curry. Matt Patricia, the Buckeyes defensive coordinator, looked on and noted how this could change the game. “Okay, alright, here we go.” That wasn’t it for Mendoza though, far from it. He rose from the turf and jogged off the field for a single snap before returning right after. That changed things for Patricia. “Uh oh,” Patricia said. “We got a problem.” Mendoza, of course, went on to lead the Hoosiers to a 13-10 come from behind victory over the Buckeyes in the Big Ten Football Championship Game, completing 15 of his 23 passes for 222 yards, a touchdown and an interception. His go ahead touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt in the corner of the endzone late in the third quarter was the game’s final scoring play. He’d then, of course, go on to win the Heisman Trophy, lead Indiana to victory in the College Football Playoff and be selected with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. Patricia, who’s coached against several top quarterbacks in college and the NFL, recalled Indiana’s game against Ohio State during an appearance on Good Morning Football praising Mendoza, who reached out to him for a chat during the NFL Combine. “Unbelievable guy,” Patricia said. “We talked for a little while, just so impressed by him.”

Q&A

What did Matt Patricia say about Fernando Mendoza during the game?

Matt Patricia noted, 'Uh oh, we got a problem,' after Mendoza returned to the field following a hard hit.

How did Fernando Mendoza perform in the Big Ten Championship Game?

Mendoza completed 15 of 23 passes for 222 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, leading Indiana to a 13-10 victory over Ohio State.

What accolades did Fernando Mendoza achieve after the Big Ten Championship?

Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy, led Indiana to victory in the College Football Playoff, and was selected first overall in the NFL Draft.

When Ohio State DC Matt Patricia knew he had a problem against Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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