Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza rose to odds favorite to win the Heisman Trophy after IU dismantled Illinois.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz had high praise for the leader of IU's offense he hopes to stop.

Up next: Indiana at Iowa, 3:30 p.m. Saturday

Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza has become the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman after a 63-10 win over Illinois .

After watching film of IU 's first four games, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz told reporters during his weekly news conference Tuesday that Mendoza is certainly a worthy candidate.

"Somebody was saying he's the leader for the Heisman," Ferentz said. "I don't have a Heisman vote, but I'd vote for him based on what I have seen."

The comments echo what Illinois defensive coordinator Aaron Henry said about

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