The Peach Bowl semifinal between No. 1 Indiana and No. 5 Oregon was, honestly, just another chapter in Indiana’s wild run this season. The Hoosiers, led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, flexed their muscles and cruised past Oregon, 56-22.
With this win, Indiana locked in a spot in the national championship game against No. 10 Miami. The night was marked by Indiana’s relentless defense and Mendoza’s near-flawless performance—setting up what could be a truly unforgettable season.
Indiana’s Dominant Performance
Indiana’s unbeaten streak in the College Football Playoff just kept rolling with a blowout win over Oregon. The Hoosiers’ defense was on fire, forcing three first-half turnovers that all turned into touchdowns.
That set the tone right out of the gate and left Oregon scrambling for answers. It never really felt close.
First-Half Fireworks
Indiana’s defense wasted no time. D’Angelo Ponds picked off Oregon quarterback Dante Moore on the first snap and ran it back for a score.
That play basically announced to everyone watching: Oregon was in for a long night. Mendoza, meanwhile, was sharp as ever, tossing five touchdown passes—including two to Elijah Sarratt and a 36-yarder to Charlie Becker.
Key Plays and Turnovers
The first half was a mess for Oregon, and Indiana pounced on every mistake. After Mendoza hit Omar Cooper Jr. for an 8-yard touchdown, Kaelon Black punched in a 1-yard rush to stretch the lead.
Moore, clearly rattled, fumbled twice in the second quarter—both times, Indiana turned those into touchdowns. By halftime, it was 35-7, and Oregon couldn’t get anything going on the ground with their top backs out.
Fernando Mendoza’s Stellar Performance
Mendoza, who grew up in Miami, was nearly perfect. He completed 17 of 20 passes, tossing five touchdowns and looking totally in control.
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti couldn’t help but praise Mendoza’s poise and his receivers’ knack for hauling in tough catches. It’s hard to argue with that assessment.
Offensive Highlights
Mendoza spread the ball around, hitting a bunch of different receivers for scores. Charlie Becker, Omar Cooper Jr., Elijah Sarratt, and E.J. Williams Jr. all found the end zone.
Kaelon Black chipped in with two rushing touchdowns, just to make sure Oregon’s defense never caught a break.
Defensive Mastery
Indiana’s defense just smothered Oregon, holding them to a measly nine rushing yards on 17 carries in the first half. Ponds’ pick-six set the tone, and forced fumbles by Daniel Ndukwe and Mario Landino kept piling on the pressure.
Those turnovers made the lead feel insurmountable before halftime even hit.
Oregon’s Struggles
Oregon, already missing key guys like Noah Whittington and Jordon Davison, just couldn’t get anything going. Backup running backs Jay Harris and Dierre Hill Jr. didn’t fill the gap, and Dante Moore was under siege all night.
Offensive Woes
Moore’s job was almost impossible without his top runners. He did manage a 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jamari Johnson that tied it up briefly, but two fumbles and a pick really hurt.
Without a running game, Oregon’s offense just sputtered.
Defensive Shortcomings
Oregon’s defense never found a way to slow down Mendoza or Indiana’s deep group of playmakers. They couldn’t generate pressure or force turnovers, and it showed on the scoreboard.
Missing some key defenders only made their task tougher.
Looking Ahead to the National Championship
After rolling past Oregon, Indiana heads to the national championship game against No. 10 Miami. It’ll be at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, which is a bit of a homecoming for Mendoza.
Indiana’s got a shot at the Big Ten’s third straight national title, following Ohio State and Michigan’s wins. Not bad company, right?
Indiana’s Championship Aspirations
Indiana’s balance and power have made them a nightmare matchup all year. With Mendoza at the controls and a defense that just doesn’t quit, they’ve looked like the real deal.
Beating Alabama in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal and then dismantling Oregon? That’s a statement.
Miami’s Challenge
Miami, coming off a tight 31-27 win over Mississippi in the Fiesta Bowl, won’t be an easy out. Playing at home gives them a little extra juice, too.
But can they slow down Indiana’s attack and crack that defense? That’s the big question heading into the title game.
Conclusion
Indiana’s win over Oregon in the Peach Bowl semifinal was something to see. They played with balance and confidence, just shutting down doubts at every turn.
Now, the Hoosiers are heading into the national championship with a real shot. Can they keep this up against Miami? Hard to say, but they’ve made their case as one of the great teams in college football.
Want all the stats and a full recap? Check out the official College Football Playoff website.
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