Fernando Mendoza's parents had tear-jerker reaction to game-clinching TD

In his National Championship clinching, Heisman Trophy -worthy play, Fernando Mendoza broke tackles and, quite literally, flew into the end zone to put the Indiana Hoosiers up by 10 over the Miami Hurricanes.

The 12-yard touchdown run was one of the most impressive moments by any player on any team at any time this season. After Mendoza scored, the ESPN broadcast made sure to highlight his parents' reaction to the score, which could have brought tears to even the biggest naysayer's eyes.

Of course, his mother and father were seated side by side as they watched their son lead the Hoosiers to their first-ever National Championship; the pride on their faces was undeniable.

Fernando Mendoza may have become his mom's inspiration

All season, Mendoza has credited his mother, Elsa, as his biggest inspiration. Over the last 18 years, Elsa has battled multiple sclerosis, and is inspirational to everyone around her, but in the moment that her son crossed the end zone, it looked like he may have turned into an inspiration for her.

His father (Fernando Sr.) jumping to his feet before immediately sitting back down to celebrate with Elsa was a picture-perfect moment.

At the end of the game, Mendoza earned an impressive 186 yards through the air against a Miami defense that was one of the stingiest in the nation. He was beaten and battered and bloodied and bruised, but he never showed a moment of hesitation as he led Indiana to the win.

Not known as a running quarterback, Mendoza's 12-yard run for the touchdown had everyone in shock and awe, especially of Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, who doesn't call the quarterback keep all that often.

It was a fourth-down attempt from the 12-yard line, and the Hoosier offensive line played it perfectly, creating a big enough gap for Mendoza to gain momentum through, which carried him past a half dozen Miami defenders and into the end zone.