Indiana QB Apologizes for ‘Cooked’ Spreads After Controversial Safety Incident

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza had quite the game on Saturday, wrapping up a tense 20-15 win against Iowa. As the clock ticked down, he made a surprising move by sprinting 40 yards backward into his own end zone, ending the game with a safety. This wild decision came straight from Coach Curt Cignetti, who instructed Mendoza to take the safety to run out the time.

Mendoza joked afterward, “I know I really cooked people’s spreads. My apologies out to them.” The Hoosiers were favored by 8.5 points, and that unexpected safety could have changed the bets for many fans.

The game was intense, especially for Indiana, which remained undefeated at 5-0. Mendoza delivered a thrilling moment earlier in the match, tossing a 49-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt with just over a minute left on the clock. Sarratt shone with six catches for 132 yards, showcasing skill and determination on a slant route that broke Iowa’s defense.

Despite their impressive statistics this season, Indiana struggled offensively against Iowa, managing only 337 yards and their lowest points total to date. Mendoza threw for 233 yards and had two touchdown passes, while Nico Radicic contributed with two field goals. Coach Cignetti reflected on the performance, admitting, “It was the good, the bad, and the ugly,” highlighting the team’s need for improvement.

Iowa faced challenges too, particularly after their quarterback, Mark Gronowski, exited the game with an injury in the fourth quarter. Coach Kirk Ferentz mentioned Gronowski wanted to return but was unable to play effectively, leading to Hank Brown stepping in for the remainder of the game.

As Indiana gears up for a bye week, they will be preparing for a challenging matchup against No. 6 Oregon on October 11. This game will be crucial as they aim to maintain their undefeated record in a highly competitive environment.

With a surge of excitement around college football, social media buzzes with reactions. Post-game, many fans took to platforms like Twitter to express both surprise and frustration over Mendoza’s safety. These moments in sports keep fans engaged, whether through thrilling plays or unexpected twists.

For those interested in sports betting, this game serves as a reminder of how quickly outcomes can change. According to a recent survey, nearly 45% of sports bettors say that unusual plays like Mendoza’s can deeply affect their overall experience. Keeping an eye on such plays might just be the key to smarter betting strategies.

For more on sports betting trends, check out ESPN for the latest insights and updates.

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