The Dawgbone

Week 16: Late Madness In America’s Game, Mendoza Wins The Heisman, Bama - OU and Miami - A&M Preview

Army 16 - Navy 17

Baltimore hosted one of the best rivalries in college football, and the game came down to the wire. Both teams started hot, each executing long touchdown drives on their opening possessions, but as always, the game eventually turned into a defensive battle. The Black Knights began to take control, kicking three straight field goals from the second to third quarter to take a 16-7 lead. The Midshipmen needed to respond, and they began to roll. Navy kicked a field goal in the final minutes of the third quarter to cut the lead to six and then intercepted Army QB Cale Hellums shortly after. Navy capitalized on the turnover, driving the ball to the one-yard line. On second and goal from the one, Navy QB Blake Horvath fumbled, but Eli Heidenreich recovered at the nine. That play proved to be the turning point for the Midshipmen, as Heidenreich turned the recovery into a touchdown on 4th and goal to take the lead. Army went three and out on their next possession, giving Navy the ball with a chance to seal the game with a few first downs. On third and about three, Horvath fumbled again but caught it himself, falling just short of the line to gain. Once again, the loose ball went Navy’s way. Navy converted on 4th and one, securing the victory. This was a heartbreaking loss for Army, as recovering even one of those fumbles could have changed the outcome.

Heisman Trophy Winner: Fernando Mendoza

Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman win was the result of a season that combined elite production with historic impact. The Indiana quarterback not only put up impressive numbers, he transformed the Hoosiers into a legitimate national championship contender and led them to their first-ever Big Ten Championship Game, including a win over Ohio State. Mendoza led one of the most efficient and explosive offenses in the country, performing consistently week in and week out. He completed 226 of 316 passes for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns, while also rushing for 240 yards and six touchdowns. While these stats are not the highest compared to past Heisman winners, Mendoza often did not need to play most fourth quarters as Indiana dominated opponents. Another factor in Mendoza winning the award was his leadership in Bloomington. Transferring from Cal, he quickly became the vocal leader of the team. His first defining moment came against Oregon in Eugene, where after throwing a pick-six late in the game, he led a game-winning drive. His most memorable moment was the touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt late in the Big Ten Championship Game against Ohio State, securing the biggest win in Indiana football history. Mendoza’s stats may not be world-class, but any quarterback who leads Indiana to an undefeated season deserves the Heisman.

Alabama - Oklahoma Preview

This first-round CFP matchup is one of the most intriguing games of the opening round, as Oklahoma hosts Alabama in a rematch full of storylines. The Sooners already proved they could beat the Crimson Tide, pulling off a 23-21 win earlier in the season by forcing key turnovers and capitalizing on mistakes. Playing in Norman gives Oklahoma a major advantage, as their defense thrives in front of the Sooner faithful and in high-pressure situations. Alabama, however, enters the game with a chip on their shoulder after their brutal loss in the SEC Championship to Georgia. The Tide must establish a running game if they want revenge, as they were held to negative three rushing yards against Georgia. Limiting turnovers will also be crucial, unlike in their previous matchup with Oklahoma. Oklahoma, meanwhile, will need to get its offense going. The Sooners have struggled to run the ball, and John Mateer has become turnover-prone. Ultimately, this game will come down to which offense can find points. Ty Simpson has been much more efficient than Mateer, giving Alabama the edge to get revenge and advance to the Rose Bowl to face Indiana.

Miami - Texas A&M Preview

Miami at Texas A&M sets up as one of the most intense first-round matchups of the College Football Playoff, featuring a fast and explosive Hurricanes team facing one of the toughest home environments in college football. Despite the 11:00 AM kickoff, the Aggie crowd will be electric, creating the most challenging atmosphere Miami has faced all season. Miami has been playing its best football recently, while Texas A&M has been inconsistent. The Aggies will rely on their physical defense and aim to pressure Carson Beck, who has thrown several interceptions this season. Marcel Reed will face one of the toughest defenses he has encountered, making ball security and explosive plays crucial. For Miami, a hot start is vital to quiet the crowd and control the game. Beck has improved at avoiding turnovers, which will be key. The Hurricane defense must contain Marcel Reed and prevent him from escaping the pocket, putting pressure on Rueben Bain Jr. This promises to be a tight, offensive battle, but the energy of Kyle Field will ultimately favor Texas A&M, giving them their first playoff win and a matchup in the quarterfinals in Dallas against Ohio State.