Mendoza forced multiple predetermined throws against Purdue; pattern of one to two dangerous decisions per game.

The source identifies a pattern of predetermined and forced throws throughout the Purdue game. On his first pass, Mendoza predetermines a back-shoulder throw to Elijah Sarratt despite the receiver never being open, missing too far inside and forcing the receiver to prevent an interception. On the second play, he forces the ball to Omar Cooper Jr. on a drag route where the nickelback has excellent coverage, resulting in a pass that should have been intercepted. The source notes this was his worst game of the season, with the Heisman Trophy winner pressing and forcing a handful of throws, though he did tend to have one to two forced or predetermined throws per game throughout the season.