Two quarterback prospects with very different styles squared off on the same field on Saturday. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Illinois’ Luke Altmeyer led their teams in the Big Ten battle, with the two teams facing each other with both teams ranked for the first time since 1950.
Mendoza quickly proved why many evaluators are high on his prospects. The Cal transfer put on a scouting show against what has been a very tough Illinois defense. Throws like this gem, with perfect touch and placement in the red zone, are NFL catnip,
Mendoza was almost perfect in the first half, and not just statistically. His confidence in what he sees, his picture-perfect touch to allow the receiver to effortlessly transition to runner, his presence, the calmness in his process and his clean release, they were fantastic on this night. It builds upon a strong performance two weeks ago in Indiana’s blowout win over Kennesaw State. Stock definitely up for Mendoza.
For Altmeyer, it was not a night that will help his fledgling draft stock. Altmeyer was under constant duress, and he’s not a passer who handles that kind of pressure well. The inability to escape the first rusher in his face was troubling. Altmeyer is not nearly the athlete Mendoza is, and it showed. He took several big hits, not protecting himself well on a scramble as well. Illinois’ offense works best when Altmeyer can set his feet and hit clean throwing lanes to isolated receivers. Indiana’s defense played him very effectively. There were some occasional frozen ropes, and Altmeyer’s quick release remains impressive.
Indiana rolled 63-10, with the second half proving largely inconsequential for Mendoza. He did add one more TD pass in the heavy rain, showing his ability to handle inclement elements. Mendoza finished 21-23 for 267 yards and 5 TDs in his best performance yet, against the best defense he’s faced.