Tony Thomas
Writer
The College Football Playoff semifinal game between No. 1 Indiana (14-0) and No. 5 Oregon (13-1) kicked off at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The crowd was electric with the ratio of fans reportedly at 80/20 in favor of the Hoosiers.
Shockwaves flowed through the venue on the very first play of the game. The Ducks failed to take flight in the first half as the Indiana juggernaut steamrolled Oregon the rest of the way for a dominant 56-22 victory.
Here are the takeaways from Indiana’s epic victory that propelled them to Miami to play the Hurricanes for the national championship.
On the very first play of the game, Moore threw a pass that was intercepted by Indiana defensive back D’Angelo Ponds and returned for a 25-yard touchdown for a quick 7-0 lead.
After Oregon scored on their second possession to tie the game at 7-7, the Hoosiers promptly scored 28 unanswered points to take a 35-7 halftime lead.
No Heisman curse for Mendoza, who completed 10-of-11 passes (91 percent) for 110 yards and three touchdowns to Omar Cooper Jr., Charlie Becker and Elijah Sarratt.
Kaelon Black added a rushing touchdown for the Hoosiers.
Moore committed three costly turnovers that all led to points for Indiana: one INT and two fumbles. In the first half, Moore was 9-of-14 passing for 112 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Moore is considered one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL Draft, according to Mel Kiper Jr.
Oregon averaged 206 yards per game on the ground coming into the game. The Ducks gained just nine yards rushing in the first half.
Indiana defense: Three sacks, five tackles for loss.
Indiana got the ball first and yes, they drove 75 yards for another Mendoza touchdown pass, this time to E.J. Williams Jr.
Oregon responded with Dierre Hill running 71 yards to set up a touchdown and a 2-point conversion to cut Indiana’s lead to 42-15.
The Hoosier defense blocked an Oregon punt when they were backed up to their own goal line, Indiana recovered at the Oregon 7-yard line. Mendoza then threw his fifth touchdown pass to Sarratt to increase their lead to 49-15.
Kaelon Black ran for a 23-yard touchdown run to increase the Hoosiers lead to 56-15. Oregon scored late to cut the lead to 56-22.
The Hoosiers played balanced, complimentary football with 177 yards passing and 185 yards rushing, and zero turnovers.
Oregon finished with 93 yards rushing, 71 of those yards coming on Hill’s run.
Moore finished with 285 yards, two TDs, one INT. he completed 62 percent of his passes.
The Hoosiers now travel to Mendoza’s hometown of Miami to take on the Hurricanes in hopes hoisting the national championship trophy.
While it will be considered a true home game for the Hurricanes, you cannot underestimate the fan turnout that will be on hand to cheer on Mendoza, one of their own. The magical season continues for the “Fighting Cignettis” and the Indiana football Hoosiers.
Bryson Blue
Writer
After almost a week of anticipation, the star quarterback of the Oregon Ducks, Dante Moore, has made his decision on his future.
Cody Croy
Writer
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Cody Croy
Writer
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