Indiana's Fernando Mendoza Talks 'Homecoming' for CFP Title Game Ahead of Miami Matchup

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza doesn't want his hometown roots to be a dominant storyline for Monday's College Football Playoff title game.

"I can be selfish, saying, 'Oh, it's Miami, it's a homecoming,' and stuff like that, but in reality, all that matters is the football game," he said, per ESPN's David Hale. "Whether we win or lose this football game, I know that I'm going to be able to sleep, rest at night knowing I did everything possible to prepare for this game and everything possible in order to help the Hoosiers win this game."

Mendoza grew up in Miami and attended Christopher Columbus High School. He had dreamed of enrolling at the University of Miami, where his mother played tennis.

As if it's not enough of a coincidence the Heisman Trophy winner is matched up against the Hurricanes, the championship is being staged at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

"Although it means a lot to myself, being from Miami, having family from Miami, growing up a University of Miami fan, it's the national championship," Mendoza said. "It means so much for Bloomington. It means so much for my teammates. It would mean so much for everybody around. I don't want to put the spotlight on myself, but on everybody."

Fernando Mendoza Heisman Reel

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Mendoza's journey to this point is pretty much ripped from a Hollywood movie.

Snubbed by Miami, he signed with the only power-conference school that offered him a scholarship (California). Upon transferring to Indiana, he has become one of the biggest stars in college football and helped fuel the underdog story to end all underdog stories.

If anything, a feature film that culminates in the Hoosiers lifting a title in football would've been laughed off as totally unbelievable prior to the arrival of coach Curt Cignetti.

Whether he likes it or not, Mendoza's Miami ties will be a frequent topic of discussion between now and Monday night, as well as during the game itself, because they'd add to what would be an incredible climax.