BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — In a stunning display of dominance, the Indiana Hoosiers overwhelmed the UCLA Bruins 56-6 on Saturday night, and the headline-stealer was none other than freshman quarterback Alberto Mendoza. In a pivotal moment late in the third quarter, Mendoza—wearing jersey #16—took the shotgun snap, surveyed the defense, and kept it himself, weaving four yards into the end zone to put a bow on the rout.
The score marked a signature moment for the three-star recruit from Miami-Christopher Columbus High School, who has patiently waited his turn behind his brother, senior QB Fernando Mendoza. The play not only uplifted his own profile but also underscored Indiana’s depth and explosive versatility this season.
Decisive dominance from the start
From the opening whistle, Indiana came out with urgency. On the second play of the game, the Hoosiers’ defense forced a turnover, returning an interception for a touchdown and setting the tone. UCLA, reeling from high expectations coming in, was held to just 201 total yards and managed only a field goal until the closing minutes.
Offensively, Indiana’s starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza carved up the Bruins — finishing with 168 yards passing, three touchdowns and a 20-yard rushing touchdown to boot. Once the game was firmly in hand, head coach Curt Cignetti turned to Alberto Mendoza to show his chops—and he delivered. In relief duty, Alberto completed 4 of 7 passes for 45 yards and added a key 39-yard rush, including that four-yard touchdown scamper.
The significance of the moment
For Alberto, this touchdown goes beyond the scoreboard. A consensus three-star QB out of Florida, he was rated inside the top-90 nationally in his recruiting class. His smooth transition to college ready and his ability to step up in a major conference showdown speaks volumes about his preparation and poise. That he did so in a historic blowout — Indiana became the first “Power 4” school since 2018 to post two 50-point conference wins in a single season.
What this means going forward
The play may serve as a turning point: Alberto now has shown coaches and fans alike that he can handle meaningful snaps and make plays when called upon. With Indiana locked in at 8-0 and the Big Ten chase heating up, depth under center is critical. His brother Fernando continues to shine, but Alberto’s touchdown run signals that the Hoosiers are not just stacked now — they’re prepared for the future.
UCLA, meanwhile, must regroup. After arriving in Bloomington riding a three-game win streak including a marquee upset, the Bruins were physically and mentally dominated. Indiana’s run game piled up 262 rushing yards, and the defensive front relentlessly attacked UCLA’s offense, forcing fake punts, stopping third downs and shutting down any momentum.
Final word
When the dust settled, the headline belonged to the younger Mendoza—his first significant college-score, his first moment of glory, and a glimpse of the promise ahead. In a game where everything clicked for Indiana, his four-yard sprint into the end zone will be remembered not just as a touchdown, but as an arrival.
