In a display of comprehensive strength, the No. 1 ranked Indiana Hoosiers overwhelmed No. 5 Oregon with a 56-22 win during the College Football Playoff Peach Bowl semifinal held Friday night in Atlanta. Indiana demonstrated a balanced and dominant performance both offensively and defensively, solidifying their status as the leading contenders for the national championship.
The Hoosiers, currently undefeated with a 15-0 record, extended their impressive postseason trajectory by capitalizing on Oregon's mistakes early and often. Their defense was pivotal, creating three first-half touchdowns off turnovers and blocking a kick, while quarterback Fernando Mendoza orchestrated an effective offense with five touchdown passes. Their dominance was further emphasized by two rushing touchdowns integral to their lead.
Indiana’s upcoming challenge is to face No. 10 Miami in the national championship on January 19 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Miami secured their spot with a 31-27 victory over Mississippi in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal the prior evening. Indiana aims to bring the Big Ten its third consecutive national title following the recent successes of Ohio State and Michigan, underscoring the conference's growing supremacy.
Leading the charge was Mendoza, who delivered an almost flawless performance completing 17 of 20 passes for five touchdowns. His precision passing included multiple scoring connections, such as two to Elijah Sarratt and a notable 36-yard completion to Charlie Becker. The combination of Mendoza’s accurate quarterback play and the receivers' ability to secure contested catches contributed significantly to Indiana’s offensive efficiency.
Coach Curt Cignetti praised Mendoza’s contributions, highlighting his poise and influence on the game’s outcome. Additionally, Oregon’s coach Dan Lanning acknowledged Mendoza’s ability to correctly read the defense and place the ball accurately. Complementing the aerial attack, running back Kaelon Black contributed two rushing touchdowns, bolstering the Hoosiers’ ground game.
Oregon, carrying a 13-2 record entering the game, was hindered by crucial early first-half turnovers and the absence of two top running backs due to injuries. This severely limited Oregon’s rushing effectiveness, holding them to just nine yards on seventeen carries during the first half. Backup running backs Jay Harris and Dierre Hill Jr. were unable to compensate sufficiently for the losses, creating an uphill battle for quarterback Dante Moore, who faced relentless pressure and defensive disruption from Indiana.
The defensive unit set the tone immediately, with cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepting Moore’s pass on Oregon's opening play and returning it 25 yards for a touchdown within the first eleven seconds. This rapid defensive score sent a strong message of Indiana’s control and foreshadowed a challenging game for the Ducks.
Moore found the end zone with a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jamari Johnson to temporarily equalize, but Indiana's defense regained dominance soon after. Following an 8-yard touchdown completion from Mendoza to Omar Cooper Jr. that gave Indiana the lead, the Hoosiers capitalized on two forced fumbles by Moore, both recovered deep in Oregon territory. These turnovers allowed Indiana to extend its lead to 35-7 by halftime.
Addressing the turnovers, Moore emphasized the challenge posed by Indiana’s defense but acknowledged the necessity for quarterbacks to protect the football. Indiana continued to build on its advantage, fueled by Mendoza’s touchdown passes and Kaelon Black’s contributions on the ground, before Oregon managed a late first-half response with a short touchdown run following a significant 70-yard run by Hill.
Special teams also contributed when Daniel Ndukwe blocked a punt in the fourth quarter, setting up another scoring opportunity for Mendoza to connect with Sarratt. This further extended Indiana’s lead, showcasing the comprehensive nature of their performance on offense, defense, and special teams.
Indiana’s momentum has been building throughout the College Football Playoff, already delivering a dominating 38-3 victory over Alabama in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal, where Mendoza connected for three touchdown passes. The team’s season-long balanced strength distinguishes them among the elite performers in college football this year.
Adding to the atmosphere, the game was attended by a fervent crowd, predominantly supporting Indiana and creating an almost home-like environment despite the neutral site. This strong fan presence, coupled with the Hoosiers' resilience and tactical execution, contributed significantly to their success.
The matchup also marked a season sweep over Oregon, with Indiana securing another victory earlier in the year at Oregon’s home field, where their defense similarly stifled the Ducks’ offense.
Looking ahead, the Hoosiers will seek to maintain their poised and multifaceted approach as they prepare to face Miami for the national title. Meanwhile, Oregon faces decisions concerning quarterback Dante Moore’s status for future seasons, as he has yet to determine his return plans and is considering discussions with coaches and family.