Tag: Fernando Mendoza

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Rose Bowl Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza guides Indiana to a 38-3 rout over Alabama

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Indiana Hoosiers lineman Jackson Lloyd (78) and quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) share congratulations after a touchdown pass from Mendoza to wide receiver Elijah Sarratt in the second half at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Thu Jan 1, 2026 (AP News photo)

Rose Bowl Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza guides Indiana to a 38-3 rout over Alabama, the Hoosiers’ first bowl win since 1991, and they are now on their way to the CFP semifinal berth against Oregon

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza completed 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards(87.5%), for three touchdowns, as Indiana routed Alabama 38-3. The Hoosiers’ first bowl win since 1991, and they are now on their way to the CFP semifinal berth against Oregon.

Always a big deal to beat Alabama, arguably the most prestigious as well as dominant college football program ever. They consistently have multiple players selected in the NFL Draft each year, with some years yielding significant first-round picks, and many NFL stars who played for Alabama, such as Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Thursday, Hurts’ team, the Eagles, is a strong contender (among the top 6) to win the upcoming Super Bowl.

Fernando Mendoza is the first Heisman winner of Cuban heritage; all four of his grandparents were born and raised in Cuba before moving to the US. Mondoza was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up immersed in the most vibrant Cuban community in the US.

As a Latino quarterback, he’s seen as an inspiration, bringing pride to the Hispanic community, particularly Cubans. In the Miami area, Mendoza is highly engaged with the community, consistently speaking with young Latinos about family, hard work, sacrifice, and other values.

He is seen as an inspiration to the Hispanic community. Other famous quarterbacks of Hispanic heritage include the following. Jim Plunkett is the most successful, won the Heisman Trophy and led the Oakland Raiders to two Super Bowl victories.

He was the first Hispanic starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl and the Super Bowl MVP Award. Tom Flores, Joe Capp, Jeff García, Tony Romo, and Mark Sánchez also made it to the NFL and they all had Latino roots. Attention Raiders fans: Fernando Mendoza has not declared his favorite NFL team (at least publicly).

Raiders fans hope he is drafted by them, as betting odds strongly favor him as the #1 pick for the Raiders in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. I believe it would be a strong move for the Raiders to select young Fernando Mendoza.

Let’s face it, the Raiders need all the help they can get. The whole organization needs a total overhaul. And it would not be a bad start if they pick this talented young man. There is hardly any doubt that the majority of the Raiders fans live here in the Bay Area. No team that moves from the Bay Area to Las Vegas can have a larger following in Las Vegas than here in Oakland.

Quote: “Gentlemen, it is better to have died a small boy than to fumble this football.” – Attributed to John Heisman, the trophy’s namesake, often used to emphasize ball security.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Tony Renteria: Raiders moving closer to number one pick Mendoza

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The possible number one NFL draft pick that could go to the Las Vegas Raiders former Cal Bears and Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza seen here throwing a pass against Iowa on Sep 27, 2025 (AP News file photo)

Las Vegas Raiders podcast Tony Renteria:

#1 Las Vegas Raiders (2-14) defense just simply could not shut down the New York Giants (3-13) offense and quarterback Jaxson Dart who threw for 207 yards, 22-30.

#2 The Giants in the second and third quarters got plenty of scoring production with ten points in each of those quarters Dart scored two touchdowns as the Giants offense did all the work in the 34-10 win.

#3 The Raiders just couldn’t muster enough offense to make this a game. Raiders quarterback Geno Smith was 20-28 for 176 yards with one touchdown. For Smith was this a matter of not getting enough receiving yards to get some scores or the run game just couldn’t get enough yardage.

#4 Tony how much of an impact was the Giants defense in stopping the Raiders from attempting to put points on the board.

#5 With the loss the Raiders might be on their way to getting that first round draft pick out of the NFL draft in former Cal Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Join Tony Renteria podcasted the 2025 Raiders football season for the Raiders podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com. Join Tony next Tuesday for the Sacramento Kings podcast.

Syracuse Comes West To Bear Hunt In Capturing 33-25 Win Over Cal

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By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–Coach Fran Brown’s preparation–for the post-game press conference–was flawless.

Accordingly, his Syracuse football team was best prepared to counter Cal’s momentum, built off consecutive wins, and took control of what could have been a tight game early.

“I was with coach (Kirby) Smart, and he told me, ‘we will not be hunted,'” Brown said. “And I told the team before the game, ‘we will not be hunted. We do the hunt.’ I’m not walking out here, scared.”

Not scared, and not preoccupied with tough results versus Boston College and Pitt, Syracuse surprised the Bears early and held on for a 33-25 road win. Cal’s bowl aspirations were put on hold with the loss, as was their path out of the cellar of the ACC standings.

For the first time in a season of jarring results, Cal was beaten from start to finish, with little to say had one or two plays gone their way.

Fernando Mendoza was intercepted twice in the first quarter, and the tone was set. Mendoza’s game shrunk, and the confidence on the visitor’s sideline grew.

“You can’t turn over the ball like that… It was my worst turnover game of the season by far, and [it] just simply was not my day,” Mendoza said.

“To start fast and get up early, that was big. And both sides of the ball did it,” Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord said.

McCord triggered a quick passing attack and effective run game to the extent that Cal’s defense was gassed early. Play action pass plays were especially successful as the Orange led 13-0 and extended that lead to 27-7 at halftime. McCord and the offense racked up 299 yards in offense in the first half, while skillfully navigating away from Cal’s defensive playmakers.

“We certainly were outplayed today. There’s no doubt about that,” coach Justin Wilcox said. “I don’t see anything we did very well.”

Two lengthy run plays highlighted Cal’s attack with Jaivian Thomas’ 75-yard dash trimming Syracuse’s lead to 13-7 in the second quarter. On Cal’s first offensive snap of the fourth, Jadyn Ott broke free for 53 yards. But that drive stalled, and Cal could only cut the deficit to 30-17 after Ryan Coe converted a 44-yard field goal with 12:43 remaining.

Jackson Kennedy’s 32-yard field goal capped a 13-play Syracuse drive that effectively ended Cal’s afternoon by taking a chunk of the time remaining. Mendoza connected with Jonathan Brady on a five-yard TD pass, but Cal failed to regain possession with a successful onside kick in the final minute.

In his first year at Syracuse after a fulfilling season with Georgia as defensive backs coach in which the Bulldogs won the National Championship and Brown was named the #1 national recruiter by 24/7 Sports, Brown’s Orange have been confident despite mixed results on the field. Their damaging loss at Pittsburgh on October 24 was a nationally-televised embarrassment, but Brown refused to reference it after beating Cal.

Instead, the ebullient Brown celebrated Cal’s picturesque campus, stated his respect for Wilcox, and his team’s emphasis on limiting Nyziah Hunter (three catches for 42 yards) and not getting victimized by Bears’ cornerback Nohl Williams. With all boxes checked regarding Syracuse’s first visit to Berkeley since 1968, Brown concluded by celebrating himself.

“I should have let y’all hear my song,” Brown said before powering up his hand-held, Bluetooth speaker cued to Lil Durk’s “100 Grand,” a reference to his disclosure that to his wife’s dismay, he doesn’t shower after losses.

“Smelling like a hundred racks,” Brown mimicked confidently.

First ACC Win For Cal: Bears Survive A Shootout At Wake Forest, Win 46-36

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By Morris Phillips

Fernando Mendoza’s late fourth quarter dash for 24 yards came with a pair of Cal companions that were poised to escort their quarterback the remaining 16 yards to paydirt.

Then Mendoza tackled himself.

If you know Cal’s recent history regarding late game collapses, it made complete sense. Mendoza popped up and signaled the next play to his teammates, a couple of whom looked stunned. Mendoza’s reasoning was a narrow 3-point lead, and ball possession was far more comforting than a 10-point lead without the ball, even as just 1:49 remained in the game.

That’s Cal football, and the residual fear created by four, agonizing ACC losses by a combined total of nine points.

Did we mention that streak of conference defeats has ended?

It has, as Cal enjoyed a cool, comfortable Friday evening in North Carolina by outlasting Wake Forest, 46-36. Mendoza continued his hot run with 385 yards passing, two touchdown passes, and one touchdown run that could have been two.

“We found a way to win,” coach Justin Wilcox said. “It’s hard to win. We have a ton of respect for Wake Forest. I’m proud of our players.”

The Bears’ (5-4, 1-4) special teams set the tone early when Hunter Barth ripped the ball loose from kick returner Demond Claiborne, Miles Williams scooped the football and dashed nine yards to give Cal a 10-0 lead five minutes in.

Cal built leads of 20-7, 29-14, and 39-29 with 6:38 remaining only to see Wake Forest respond each time. With Cal clinging to a 39-36 advantage after the two-minute warning, Mendoza broke free, but his calculated move forced the Demon Deacons to burn a pair of timeouts.

Jaivian Thomas then ran 11 yards with 1:10 remaining for Cal’s final score, which re-established a two-score lead.

Ryan Coe, demoted from his position due to missed field goals, re-emerged with a pair of 54-yard field goals. Freshman Derek Morris, the new starting kicker but lacking Coe’s leg strength, also converted from 38 and 29 yards, along with nailing all four of Cal’s extra points.

“I’m just proud of that guy for continuing to stick with it through some tough times,” Wilcox said of Coe. “For Ryan to come in and hit two 54-yarders, that’s big time. We knew he could do it. We’ve seen it. It’s not surprising. It’s really a testament to him.”

Hank Bachmeier was 19 of 36 passing for 274 yards for the Deacons, but he was picked off three times. Nohl Williams was the recipient of one of Bachmeier’s errant throws, his seventh interception of the season, a total that leads the nation.

“They were the more physical team on both sides of the line of scrimmage,” Deacons coach Dave Clawson said. “Their defensive line really kind of got the best of our offensive line. We did not take care of the football. The sequence of the blocked field goal that led to the touchdown was really costly.” 

Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium didn’t exactly benefit from the first gridiron meeting of the two universities, despite the near perfect fall weather. The actual in-stadium attendance appeared to be fewer than 5,000 people in a facility that seats 30,000.

More Of The Same, And Less Of What’s Needed: Cal Drops Another Close One, 24-23 to NC State

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By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA– By default, the Cal Bears are built to compete in close, contentious football games. Currently, winning those games is not part of the mix.

Freshman kicker Derek Morris’ field goal miss from 28 yards with 1:37 remaining left Cal short on the scoreboard in a 24-23 loss to North Carolina State, but a list of plays and issues kept the Bears winless in their inaugural trip through the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Making winning plays simply hasn’t happened for Cal in a painful, four-game losing streak that has been too little in the game’s biggest moments.

“I have to do a better job coaching the team so we can find a way to win these tight games,” coach Justin Wilcox said. “Everyone has to come back and own their part of it. We need to have high expectations and standards for the way we operate around here.”

The Bears looked the part in building a 13-10 halftime lead and extending it to 23-10 after three quarters. But that put gutty freshman quarterback CJ Bailey in position to survive six sacks and the punishment that came with them, and fashion a comeback that would be the Wolpack’s biggest since October 2012. Bailey threw two fourth quarter touchdown passes, the second 41 yards to Hollywood Smothers that gave NC State the lead with 6:32 remaining.

“His ability to keep composure is just very impressive,” Bailey’s teammate Davin Vann said. “He just continues to show me why he has the ability to play at this level and is going to succeed at this level and beyond.”

Bailey not only was under duress for the first three quarters, but he also was essentially without a run game as well. The Bears stuffed the Wolfpack, allowing an insignificant 29 yards on 30 rushing attempts.

But when afforded time, Bailey delivered, with 6’3″ Justin Joly using his height to snag four catches for 95 yards to lead the NC State receivers. The freshman, who began the season behind senior transfer Grayson McCall on the depth chart, finished 25 of 36 for 306 yards.

“He stays positive, and he’s just got that it factor when it comes to how he manages things and overcomes,” Wolfpack coach Dave Doeren said of Bailey. “Even when he makes a bad play, it doesn’t rattle him.”

The Bears should have benefitted from all the upheaval in NC State’s lineup that saw them without leading rusher Jordan Waters and beholden to a new mic linebacker Kamal Bonner. But NC State touted their depth, and it proved to be the case as their first trip west since a 1960 game at UCLA turned out to be a winner.

Cal’s final drive encompassed 13 plays for 65 yards and put Cal in position to retake the lead. It also bought precious minutes for its defense that once again was on the short side of time of possession in part because of Thomas’ damaging, first half fumble. But the drive didn’t end well after a critical holding penalty on first down at NC State’s 16-yard line. Fernando Mendoza misfired on second down, and two short completions left Cal with a fourth down and sufficient time for NC State to respond had Morris converted a go-ahead field goal.

Again, a missed field goal in the final two minutes was not solely the reason for Cal’s loss.

The Bears (3-4, 0-4) have a non-conference game next Saturday against Oregon State in Berkeley.

Cal 0 for 3 in the ACC: Big Defensive Effort Not Enough For Bears In 17-15 Loss At No. 22 Pittsburgh

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By Morris Phillips

For Cal, the margin of loss again was small. But the totality of mistakes and penalties were bigger than coach Justin Wilcox could tolerate.

“I’m not sure you ever go through a game perfectly, but we don’t have the margin for error to play bad football from time to time and expect to win against a Top 25 team,” Wilcox said of Cal’s 12 penalties that left his Bears on the short end of a 17-15 loss at Pittsburgh. “Nobody feels sorry for us. Those are things we have to fix. If we do that, than we can win these one-score games.”

Cal’s resourceful 3-0 start to the season has dissolved into a three-game conference losing streak with an aggregate loss total of eight points. At Acrisure Stadium on Saturday afternoon, the Bears shut out the host Panthers for the final 40 minutes but couldn’t regain a lead at any point.

“If we were able to take the lead, I felt good about our defense stopping them,” Wilcox said. “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to do that.”

Cal’s counter to Pitt’s surprising 5-0 start that now has them at 6-0 for the first time since 1982 in the glory days of Dan Marino and Hugh Green should have been the story. Prolific Pitt quarterback Eli Holstein was forced into a defensive posture as Cal added to their nationally-leading interception total of 13 with picks by Nohl Williams and Cam Sidney.

“That’s a great defense we played right there,” Holstein said. “They played every coverage in the book. They gave me different looks. It was hard to tell what they were playing in certain situations.”

Games aren’t normally decided on the first play of the second quarter, but ultimately, this one was. Coach Pat Narduzzi rolled the dice and elected to attempt a fourth down conversion on his side of the field. A handoff to Desmond Reid was the perfect call as the speedy back went 72 yards untouched against Cal’s unbalanced set.

That was Reid’s second scoring run and put the Panthers up 14-6. A few minutes later, they would increase their lead to 17-6 on Ben Sauls booming, 58-yard field goal.

Fernando Mendoza played well with 27 of 37 passing for 272 yards. But his offensive line again incurred critical penalties that stopped drives and limited Cal’s scoring. With Cal’s defense in control for the vast majority of the game, Mendoza and the offense could only muster Ryan Coe’s 39-yard field goal in the third quarter, and Jack Endries 19-yard scoring catch with 10:30 remaining.

Twice Cal failed to convert two-point conversions, including backup quarterback Chandler Rogers rushing attempt that was stuffed after Endries score.

Jaivian Thomas got the majority of Cal’s rushing attempts as Jadyn Ott was scratched before the game due to lingering ankle issues. Thomas opened the scoring with a 21-yard run in the first quarter.

The Bears return to Berkeley for Homecoming and a meeting with North Carolina State on Saturday. At 0-3 in the ACC, the Bears won’t earn a championship game appearance in their first year in the new conference. But they do figure to be favored in all of their remaining games, which could lead them to a significant bowl game invitation.

For Pitt, a day dangerously thin on offense but propped up with their best defensive effort of the season stood up. Far from what Narduzzi would have preferred and less than the subdued, nervous home crowd wanted, but it worked.

“I don’t know if there’s ever been a perfect game,” Narduzzi said. “I wish. We strive for perfection and take excellence. It’s never going to be perfect. There’s too many scholarship athletes out there.”