In a dominating performance, the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers overwhelmed the fifth-ranked Oregon Ducks, winning 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal on Friday night. The victory boosts Indiana’s formidable campaign, maintaining their undefeated record at 15-0 and propelling them to the national championship game against No. 10 Miami, who triumphed over Mississippi in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal.
The game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium drew an impressive attendance of 75,604 fans. Kickoff occurred at 7:46 p.m. ET, with the match concluding after a lengthy 3-hour and 21-minute duration at 11:08 p.m.
Central to Indiana’s victory was quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who threw five touchdown passes and completed 17 of 20 attempts, showcasing exceptional play throughout the game. His efforts earned him high praise from Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti, who noted the synergy between Mendoza and his receivers, particularly highlighting Elijah Sarratt, who caught two touchdown passes, and Charlie Becker, who had a notable 36-yard reception.
Indiana’s defense made an immediate impact, as cornerback D’Angelo Ponds returned an interception for a touchdown just 11 seconds into the game, setting the tone for the night. Oregon was hindered by three first-half turnovers and the absence of key running backs Noah Whittington and Jordon Davison, making their task against Indiana’s strong defense even more challenging.
The Hoosiers dominated the first half, leading 35-7 at halftime, restricting Oregon to only nine rushing yards on 17 carries. Indiana continued to extend their lead in the second half, with Mendoza connecting with E.J. Williams Jr. for a touchdown early in the third quarter and later delivering a touchdown pass to Sarratt.
Kaelon Black contributed significantly to the team’s rushing attack, scoring two touchdowns in the game, while the special teams made a strong impact with a blocked punt that led to another touchdown pass from Mendoza.
With their consistent performance throughout the College Football Playoff, Indiana is not just aiming for a national title, but also striving to follow in the footsteps of the past two Big Ten champions, Ohio State and Michigan. As they prepare for the national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on January 19, the Hoosiers reflect a blend of offensive prowess and defensive strength, showcasing a potential legacy that sets them apart in college football history.