The already impressive march of the undefeated Indiana through the College Football Playoff gained momentum when its dominant defense created three first-half touchdowns off of turnovers, Fernando Mendoza He threw five touchdown passes as the Hoosiers overwhelmed No. 5 Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal on 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. Miami beat Mississippi 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal Thursday night.
Fernando Mendoza | AP
Indiana will try to hit the Big Ten their third consecutive national title, after Ohio State and Michigan in the last two seasons. Few teams in any conference can compare to the Hoosiers’ season-long display of strong, balanced play.
Led by Mendoza and his defense, Indiana is earning merit to be considered one of the best teams in history.
Fernando Mendoza | AP
Although Miami will be the home of the national championship game, MendozaHeisman Trophy winner and Miami native, will enjoy his return home after a near-perfect game against Oregon. Mendoza completed 17 of 20 passes and five touchdowns, including two to Elijah Sarratt and a 36-yarder to Charlie Becker.
Kaelon Black He 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 and was also shorthanded due to the absence of two of its best runners.
Indiana | AP
The Hoosiers they led 35-7 at halftime, while the Ducks were held to nine rushing yards on 17 carries. Noah Whittington, Oregon’s leader with 829 rushing yards, missed the game with an undisclosed injury after Jordon Davison, who had rushed for 667 yards and 15 touchdowns, was already reported out with a collarbone injury.
The substitute runners, such as Jay Harris and Dierre Hill Jr.they contributed very little to the quarterback Dante Moore. Moore’s task against Indiana’s suffocating defense would have been daunting even with all his weapons.
Fernando Mendoza | AP
