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**Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza Aces First Real Test, NFL Draft Stock Stable**

**BLOOMINGTON, IN** – Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza delivered a stellar performance against Illinois this past Saturday, leading the Hoosiers to a dominant 63-10 victory. Mendoza completed 21 of 23 passes for 267 yards and five touchdowns, with no turnovers, in just three quarters of play. His completion percentage of 91.3% was especially impressive.

Mendoza now leads the FBS in passing touchdowns with 14 and boasts a clean interception record for the season. The strong showing comes after facing three less-challenging opponents in the season’s opening weeks.

While many of Mendoza’s completions were short passes within 10 yards, his efficiency and decision-making stood out. One standout play saw Mendoza deliver a perfectly placed touchdown pass to E.J. Williams Jr. in the red zone, demonstrating poise and accuracy under pressure.

However, concerns remain regarding Mendoza’s average arm strength and athleticism. One deep throw across the field highlighted limitations in his ability to consistently deliver accurate passes over distance, particularly against tight coverage.

Despite these limitations, Mendoza excels at reading defenses and making quick decisions, especially when facing blitzes. His ability to anticipate pressure and find open receivers has been a consistent strength.

According to NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Mendoza’s performance against Illinois was solid but shouldn’t drastically alter his draft projection. Brugler currently ranks Mendoza 20th overall in his pre-season top 50 prospects, stating, “There are some limitations to Mendoza’s game, which will be interpreted differently from evaluator to evaluator, but his mental acuity and accuracy can make him an NFL starter.” The upcoming games against Oregon and Penn State will provide further tests for the quarterback and could significantly impact his draft stock.

**About the Analyst:** Dane Brugler is a national NFL Draft writer for The Athletic, known for his in-depth scouting reports and analysis. He previously covered the NFL Draft for NFL Draft Scout and CBS Sports.

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