The Indiana Hoosiers' 56-22 Peach Bowl win against the Oregon Ducks didn't become ancient history Friday night in Atlanta without a little bit of humor.
The win clinched a berth in the national title game for second-year Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti, who has been known not to be one to easily display his happiness amongst his team's ever-growing laundry list of accomplishments.
But, for a brief moment, Cignetti let loose.
Upon being asked about his excitement to play the Miami Hurricanes Jan. 19, Cignetti was blunt.
"I'm really not thinking about the next game," Cignetti said. "I'm thinking about cracking open a beer."
Much of the Hoosiers' fanbase likely felt similarly to Cignetti.
More: Dan Lanning's worst loss at Oregon comes on biggest stage to Indiana
Fernando Mendoza reacts to Peach Bowl win
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, though, was slightly a bit more relaxed.
“It means the world and I couldn’t have done this without God. This is just such a great opportunity for my entire team,” Mendoza told ESPN. “We’re a bunch of misfits. There are zero five-stars on our team. We’re just a bunch of gritty guys who are glued together and going toward a common goal, which is to win each and every single game."
If it does defeat the Hurricanes, Indiana would complete a perfect season.
More: Fernando Mendoza's family ties to Mario Cristobal run deep with Miami homecoming
“It’s a collaborative effort and with a strong culture, you can accomplish anything," Cignetti said. "We have a strong culture in the locker room, in the coaching staff, in the entire support staff, and administration. With those three things, it’s a great synergy in our program, and that’s why we’re heading to the National Championship.”
What time is the national title game starting?
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET from Hard Rock Stadium.
More Big Ten news
Nick Saban reveals whether Curt Cignetti would ditch Indiana Hoosiers for NFL coaching gig
College football analyst bashes SEC in defense of Big Ten as Indiana clinches title berth
Todd McShay shares massive advice for Oregon QB Dante Moore on heels of NFL Draft decision
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza gets massive kudos from ex-NFL coach with interesting pro comp