Overview
- Pregame lines from DraftKings listed Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as the favorite with Ohio State’s Julian Sayin close behind and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia in the top tier.
- During the game, BetMGM shifted Pavia to the betting favorite at -110, according to On3, after both starting quarterbacks opened with mistakes.
- FOX Sports’ Mark Ingram and Matt Leinart said the Big Ten championship performance could leave a lasting impression on voters, with Leinart arguing a dominant outing would all but seal the trophy.
- Mendoza entered the weekend with 72% passing, 2,758 yards, 32 touchdowns and five interceptions, plus 243 rushing yards and six rushing scores for unbeaten No. 2 Indiana.
- Sayin’s case rests on elite efficiency for No. 1 Ohio State, including a 78.9% completion rate, more than 3,000 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, while Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love and Vanderbilt’s Pavia remained viable alternatives if the frontrunners falter.