Which team will advance to face the Miami Hurricanes in the upcoming national title match?
On January 19th, either Indiana or Oregon will compete for their inaugural championship trophy. The Hoosiers are reaching this stage closer than ever before, whereas Oregon aims for their third championship contest in the past sixteen years.
Indiana prevailed over the Ducks during their October encounter. The question remains whether Oregon can implement effective modifications and secure a victory in this pivotal game.
Peach Bowl: Top-Ranked Indiana Against Fifth-Ranked Oregon
Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET | Broadcast: ESPN | Betting Line: Indiana Favored by 3 | Total Points: 48.5
In the relatively short existence of the 12-team College Football Playoff, the Hoosiers stand as the sole squad to secure an initial round exemption and then claim a quarterfinal victory. Indiana achieved this with apparent ease, utterly overwhelming Alabama with a 38-3 score in their Rose Bowl matchup.
Oregon likewise showcased superiority against their quarterfinal adversary. The Ducks’ defensive performance, a 23-0 triumph in the Orange Bowl against Texas Tech, surpassed Indiana’s statistically. They caused four changes of possession and conceded merely 215 total yards.
Will strong defensive play be the deciding factor in the Peach Bowl contest?
During their October meeting, Indiana intercepted Oregon quarterback Dante Moore on two occasions and restricted the Ducks to a mere 81 ground yards across 30 attempts. Jordon Davison, who led the team in rushing during that specific game, will be absent on Friday. Noah Whittington, Oregon’s season-long rushing leader, is designated as uncertain for the Peach Bowl.
Oregon cannot solely rely on Moore to dismantle the Indiana defensive backfield with a series of rapid passes. However, this scenario might be unavoidable for the Ducks due to their unexpected shortage of capable rushers.
Details on viewing the College Football Playoff semifinal are provided here. Continue scrolling for real-time score updates.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Fernando Mendoza completes his fifth scoring pass of the match, finding Elijah Sarratt for a 3-yard play. A truly memorable evening for the Heisman recipient.
Indiana 49, Oregon 15
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Despite not sending many players on the rush, Daniel Ndukwe penetrated the line regardless, blocking the kick and recovering it within Oregon’s 10-yard line.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
A hopeful possession concludes as Jay Harris is halted on fourth-and-one at Indiana’s 32-yard line late in the third period.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Dante Moore connects with Jeremiah McClellan for a 43-yard gain. The Ducks show no signs of giving up.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Fernando Mendoza records only his second incompletion of the evening, resulting in a defensive stand for the Ducks.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Jay Harris scores from 2 yards out, following a 71-yard dash by Dierre Hill Jr. The Ducks successfully complete the two-point conversion attempt.
Indiana 42, Oregon 15
Here was the big run to set up the TD:
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Yahoo Sports Staff
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Fernando Mendoza delivers a 13-yard touchdown pass to E.J. Williams. A recurring success.
Indiana 42, Oregon 7
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Fernando Mendoza fumbles for the second occasion this game, but the Hoosiers manage to recover it.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Indiana gets the second-half kickoff. Will they maintain their high-scoring performance?
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Oregon suffered a lopsided defeat to Ohio State in the CFP quarterfinals last season. Is a comparable outcome against Indiana looming?
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Indiana’s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, performed an almost impeccable first half.
10 completions on 11 attempts, 110 yards, 3 touchdowns.
Quarterback efficiency rating: 264.9!!!
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Oregon rapidly moved within field goal distance, but Atticus Sappington’s 56-yard try fell short as time expired in the first half. This concludes a commanding initial thirty minutes for Indiana.
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Nick Bromberg
This has been an incredible display by Indiana. While Oregon’s errors are undeniable, the Hoosiers are capitalizing effectively.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Fernando Mendoza completes a swift pass to Elijah Sarratt for a 2-yard touchdown, as the Hoosiers effortlessly convert yet another Oregon miscue.
Indiana 35, Oregon 7
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Daniel Ndukwe sacks Dante Moore, dislodging the ball, and Mario Landino secures his second fumble recovery of the contest. Fortune favors the Hoosiers as the two-minute warning of the first half approaches.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Fernando Mendoza performs once more. He delivers a precise 36-yard touchdown pass to Charlie Becker. The Hoosiers are unstoppable.
Indiana 28, Oregon 7
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Yahoo Sports Staff
The Indiana defense is now showcasing its prowess, pressuring the Oregon quarterback on consecutive plays to conclude their possession.
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Nick Bromberg
Following that advantageous turnover, Indiana had no incentive to innovate. Simply carry the ball, carry the ball, and carry the ball once more.
The Hoosiers stand as the most formidable squad in collegiate football, and their capacity to overwhelm any opponent is a primary factor behind this.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Kaelon Black drives it in from the 1-yard line, and the Hoosiers convert the turnover into points.
Indiana 21, Oregon 7
