Curt Cignetti Calls Out National Title Game Refs At Halftime

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti isn't afraid to put college refs on blast, that's for sure.

During the first half of the College Football Playoff National Championship, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was on the receiving end of brutal hit from Miami defensive back Jakobe Thomas. The replay angle showed Thomas using the crown of his helmet to give the Heisman Trophy winner a bloody lip, and yet, the referees didn't penalize him.

A few plays earlier, Mendoza took a violent shot to his back as he was trying to complete a pass to the right side of the field.

Before addressing his team at halftime, Cignetti had a quick sideline interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe. The two-time AP Coach of the Year made it clear that he's not thrilled with Monday night's officiating crew.

Cignetti specifically called out the rough hits that Mendoza took in the first half.

"There’s three personal fouls on the quarterback not called in one drive," Cignetti said. "They need to be called because they’re obvious personal fouls. I’m all for letting them play, but when you cross the line you got to call it. And they were obvious, black and white calls."

College football world agrees with Cignetti.

As you'd imagine, Indiana fans loved that Cignetti ripped the refs. The last thing they want to see is Mendoza get hurt on a cheap shot.

ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit also had an issue with the hit that Thomas dished out on Mendoza.

“I’m surprised we didn’t see a flag come down,” Herbstreit said. “But I think carrying out the fake, quarterback is in play. Maybe they held the flag because of that.”

Hopefully, the Hoosiers keep Mendoza out of harm's way during the second half. After all, he's 30 minutes away from taking his talents to the NFL.