A great maestro is nothing without his orchestra, and for Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, his ensemble works in perfect harmony.
In Indiana’s 38-13 victory against Michigan State on Saturday, Mendoza was the conductor. He orchestrated a dynamic performance with top receivers Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper Jr. and EJ Williams Jr., the leading members of a finely tuned offensive unit.
“We have such a special core in our offense, with the receiver core, Sarratt, Cooper and Williams,” Mendoza said after the game. “It really is a perfect marriage and we are now seeing the results in practice.”
Mendoza finished the win with 24 completed passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns. Of the 24 completions, he found the trio combining for 17 times for 244 yards and all four scores.
Each of Mendoza’s touchdown passes became more and more impressive as the game progressed. When preseason All-American Sarratt wasn’t open, Mendoza quickly found Cooper Jr. or Williams Jr. or vice versa.
Much of the attention has been on the tandem of Sarratt and Cooper Jr. Williams Jr. however, is in the midst of a hugely impressive season. After a quiet week in Oregon, Williams Jr. caught five passes for 59 yards, scoring the opening touchdown of the game. The sixth-year received high praise from Cooper Jr., who is also benefiting from the breakout season.
“A lot of people sleep on EJ because of me and Elijah, but EJ is a really good player, and he was able to show you all that today,” Cooper Jr. said. “The fact that there are three of us allows us to play more freely.
“We have more weapons than you can hold, knowing that you can’t just double down on one person.”
Cooper Jr. scored a team-high eight catches for 115 yards and a touchdown, further cementing himself as one of the conference’s top receivers.
Even though the Indianapolis product is behind Sarratt, he remains a key part of the high-powered IU offense.
While chants of “Heismendoza” could be heard in the fourth quarter on Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium, the signal caller’s top receiver may just as well be worthy of college football’s highest honor.
Sarratt has been Indiana’s No. 1 receiver for two years and has risen to the top among receivers in seven games.
He didn’t catch his first pass until the first drive of the second half and finished with a modest four receptions. However, the Stafford, Virginia, native made his catches count. He finished with 70 yards and touchdown receptions of 24 and 27 yards.
The senior continues to lead Indiana in all three pass-catching categories, recording a touchdown reception in six straight games. His 43 straight games with at least one catch is the longest active streak in FBS.
Sarratt remains one of the most consistent players in the country, making history with achievements that go beyond just video game statistics. His nickname “Waffle House” lives on for many reasons, including the distraction that Cooper Jr. and Williams Jr. exert on the defense.
Mendoza’s accuracy, combined with the athleticism of his pass catchers, is a match made in football heaven. It’s rare to have three guys at their level in college football. All three possess NFL-caliber skills and elevate Mendoza’s game, elevating his status as a top player.
The rapport Mendoza has with his top receivers is dazzling. It is a mutually beneficial relationship that leaves opposing defenses baffled. They have combined for 82 catches for 1,152 yards and 15 touchdowns through the first seven games.
“Without [Mendoza]“We wouldn’t be able to do a lot of the things we do now,” Sarratt said. “He’s a great quarterback.”
Mendoza is improving every week. His efficient numbers are a byproduct of his consistent pursuit of greatness.
“It’s time, organization, smart use of time and good preparation,” head coach Curt Cignetti said. “He wants to be a great player. I’ve never seen anyone jump into it so much.”
Mendoza’s involvement is not all talk; it is reflected in the way he approaches every detail of his preparation.
Whether it’s extra reps after practice or extra time in the film room, Mendoza’s drive to improve doesn’t stop with himself; it lifts everyone around him to a higher level. His determination sets the tone for the entire team.
“He lives in this facility,” Sarratt said. “A lot of people don’t do what he does, and I feel like this takes him to the next level.”
The click attack is remarkable in itself, especially considering their first meeting was less than ten months ago.
Mendoza often calls his team a “band of brothers.” But after seven games, Indiana’s offense has become even more: a full philharmonic orchestra, performing in sync like a well-rehearsed symphony.
It’s a sound Bloomington has never heard before, but every Saturday the music gets louder.
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