ATLANTA — Undefeated Indiana’s already impressive run to the College Football Playoff gained momentum as its dominant defense created three first-half touchdowns off turnovers, Fernando Mendoza threw five scoring passes and the Hoosiers beat No. 5 Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinals Friday night.
No. 1 Indiana (15-0, No. 1 CFP) will face No. 10 Miami on Jan. 19 in the national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Miami defeated Ole Miss 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl semifinals on Thursday night.
Indiana will try to give the Big Ten its third straight national title, following Ohio State and Michigan the last two seasons. Few teams in any conference can compare to the Hoosiers’ display of strong, balanced play throughout the season.
Led by Mendoza and the defense, Indiana is making its case to be considered among the best teams in history.
Although Miami will host the national championship game, Mendoza, a Heisman Trophy winner and Miami native, will enjoy returning home after a near-perfect game against Oregon. Mendoza completed 17 of 20 passes and all five touchdowns, including two to Elijah Sarratt and a 36-yarder to Charlie Becker.
Kaelon Black ran for two touchdowns to lead Indiana’s running game.
Oregon (13-2, No. 5 CFP) was doomed by three turnovers in the first half while also being shorthanded by the absence of two of its top running backs.
The Hoosiers led 35-7 at halftime as the Ducks were held to 9 rushing yards on 17 carries. Noah Whittington, who leads Oregon with 829 rushing yards, was held out with an undisclosed injury after Jordon Davison, who had 667 yards and 15 touchdowns, was already ruled out with a collarbone injury.
Backup running backs, including Jay Harris and Dierre Hill Jr., provided too little help to quarterback Dante Moore. Moore’s task against Indiana’s stifling defense would have been difficult, even with all his weapons.
Indiana’s defense didn’t wait long to make an impact. On Oregon’s first snap, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepted Moore’s pass intended for Malik Benson and returned the pick 25 yards for a touchdown. Just 11 seconds into the game, the Hoosiers and their defense had already declared that it would be a long night for Moore and the Oregon offense.
Moore’s 19-yard pass to tight end Jamari Johnson tied the game. The rest of the half belonged to Indiana and its big-play defense.
After Mendoza’s 8-yard touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. gave the Hoosiers the lead for good at 14-7, Indiana’s defense forced a turnover when Moore fumbled and Indiana recovered at the Oregon 3, setting up Black’s score.
Moore lost a second fumble later in the second quarter when he was hit by Daniel Ndukwe, and Mario Landino recovered at the Oregon 21. Mendoza’s first scoring pass to Sarratt gave the Hoosiers a 35-7 lead.
Indiana extended its lead to 42-7 on Mendoza’s 13-yard pass to EJ Williams Jr.
Oregon finally responded. A 70-yard run by Hill gave Harris a 2-yard score.
Indiana’s special teams added a big play in the fourth quarter when Ndukwe’s blocked punt set up Mendoza’s second scoring pass to Sarratt.
After their undefeated regular season, the Hoosiers have only gained momentum in the CFP. Indiana defeated Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl quarterfinals as Mendoza passed for 192 yards and three touchdowns.
