Fernando Mendoza has bloody mouth after big hit in national championship game

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Blood has been drawn in the College Football Playoff national championship game − literally.

Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza was bleeding from his mouth in the first quarter of the title game at Hard Rock Stadium after taking a big hit from Miami.

The moment happened on Indiana's second drive of the game as it went into Hurricane territory. Mendoza handed the ball off to Kaelon Black on an apparent option and clearly didn't have possession despite faking a run, but it didn't stop Miami's Jacoby Thomas from delivering a hard hit on the quarterback.

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti was upset about his quarterback getting unnecessarily hit, and it led to a bloody mouth for Mendoza. He looked slightly shaken up by the play but Mendoza didn't leave the game. The Hoosiers ended up stalling on the drive, kicking a field three plays later to take an early 3-0 lead.

Not long after, ESPN rules analyst Bill LeMonnier said a flag should have been thrown for targeting on Thomas for leading with his helmet, which would have resulted in an Indiana first down.

On the sidelines, Mendoza could be seen with blood still on his mouth.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fernando Mendoza has bloody lip after big hit vs Miami in national championship

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