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Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti expressed some frustration with the officials in college football’s national championship Monday night.
Speaking to ESPN’s Holly Rowe, Cignetti was frustrated with the lack of calls against the Miami Hurricanes for hits on Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman Trophy winner was left bloodied after one of the punches put on him.
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Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti looks on during warmups before the College Football Playoff national championship game between Miami and Indiana, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
“There are three personal fouls on the quarterback that are not called in one drive,” Cignetti said. “They have to be called because they’re obvious personal fouls. I’m all for letting them play, but when you cross the line, you have to call it. They were black and white calls.”
Through hits, Mendoza hung in and had Indiana up by 10 points at halftime.
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Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza looks to pass against Miami during the first half of the College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
He was 12-of-17 with 116 passing yards.
Indiana’s scoring began in the first quarter with a field goal. Then, with about 6:13 left in the second quarter, Mendoza led the Hoosiers down the field and handed the ball to Riley Nowakowski for the inbounds. The Hoosiers held a 10-0 lead at the time.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti speaks during the press conference prior to the College Football Playoff national championship game between Miami and Indiana, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, in Miami. The match will be played on Monday. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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The Hurricanes began to find a rhythm late in the first half. But Carter Davis’ field goal attempt went off the upright. The Hurricanes had just three first downs despite having the ball for nearly 12 minutes in the half.
