Indiana's Fernando Mendoza Apologizes to Bettors for Last-Second Safety in Viral Video

No. 11 Indiana ended Saturday's 20-15 win over Iowa in interesting fashion when quarterback Fernando Mendoza ran off the last few seconds on the clock by racing backwards to his own end zone and getting tackled for a safety.

After the game, Mendoza apologized to any bettors who had their wagers affected by the final play.

"I know I probably cooked people's spreads, or something like that, and I really apologize for that," Mendoza said. "However, in that moment, my goal was to win the game."

Per Robby Kalland of CBS Sports, the Hoosiers entered the game as -7.5-point favorites, so those final two points could have affected wagers placed on that spread.

Mendoza added that he was acting under the direction of Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti.

"Coach said, 'Hey, take a safety, run out of the end zone,'" Mendoza said. "When I got to the 2, I saw all zeros on the clock, but I kept going."

This marked both the lowest scoring output and the closest win of the season for the Hoosiers, who improved to 5-0 and 2-0 in Big Ten play. On Indiana's second-to-last offensive possession, Mendoza found wide receiver Elijah Sarratt for a 49-yard go-ahead touchdown pass with 1:28 left on the clock.

"It was kind of 'dealer's choice,'" Mendoza said. "When the game's on the line and I can throw a pass like that to my guy Elijah … that's college football. That's what it's all about."

The Hoosiers will now get to enjoy their bye week before preparing for a marquee matchup against No. 6 Oregon on Oct. 11. However, some bettors won't be as happy this week after the way their win over the Hawkeyes ended.