> At a Glance
> – Undefeated Indiana routs Oregon 56-22 in Peach Bowl semifinal
> – Fernando Mendoza throws 5 TD passes and Kaelon Black rushes for 2 scores
> – Hoosiers defense forces 3 first-half turnovers, returning one for a TD
> – Why it matters: Indiana (15-0) will face Miami for the national championship on Jan. 19
Indiana’s perfect season rolled on through the semifinals as the top-ranked Hoosiers demolished fifth-ranked Oregon with a balanced onslaught that showcased offense, defense and special teams.
Dominant First Half Sets Tone
Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepted Oregon’s first snap and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown, signaling a long night for the Ducks. The Hoosiers capitalized on three first-half turnovers-two fumbles and an interception-to build a 35-7 halftime lead.
- Fernando Mendoza completed 17 of 20 passes for 5 touchdowns
- Defense held Oregon to 9 rushing yards on 17 carries before the break
- Turnovers set up short fields that Indiana converted into quick scores
Playmakers Shine on Both Sides
Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner and a Miami native, carved up Oregon’s secondary with touchdown passes to Elijah Sarratt (2), Charlie Becker, Omar Cooper Jr. and E.J. Williams Jr.
Coach Curt Cignetti praised his quarterback:
> “I thought he was incredible. He was great.”
Oregon coach Dan Lanning added:
> “He makes the right decisions. If he sees the coverage, he takes the ball where it needs to go.”
Key Takeaways
- Indiana’s defense scored as many touchdowns (1) as Oregon’s offense managed in the first half
- Ducks played without top rushers Noah Whittington and Jordon Davison, cramping their ground attack
- A Daniel Ndukwe blocked punt in the fourth quarter set up Indiana’s final touchdown
- Red-clad Indiana fans packed at least 80 percent of the 75,604-seat stadium
The Hoosiers will try to secure the Big Ten’s third straight national title when they meet No. 10 Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 19.
