Indiana announced its dominance early in the Peach Bowl semifinal, defeating Oregon 56-22 to advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
The Hoosiers executed their game plan from the opening snap. Curt Cignetti’s team has built its success on discipline and precision rather than complex schemes.
D’Angelo Ponds intercepted Oregon quarterback Dante Moore on the game’s first play and returned it for a touchdown. Indiana led 7-0 before the 14:50 mark of the first quarter.
Oregon answered with a touchdown. Indiana made it 14-7 before the second quarter started.
The Ducks’ problems mounted quickly. Moore fumbled on first-and-10 from the Oregon eight-yard line. Three Hoosiers recovered the loose ball.
Indiana added two more touchdowns before halftime. Dan Lanning’s Oregon team trailed 35-7 at the break.
Oregon’s speed couldn’t match Indiana’s execution
The Ducks entered the game known for their high-powered offense built around speed and misdirection. Those advantages disappeared against Indiana’s disciplined defense.
Oregon rarely got defenders out of position. The Hoosiers minimized mental errors throughout the contest.
Oregon narrowed the score to 42-15 in the second half. The Ducks were set up to punt from their own goal line when disaster struck again.
Daniel Ndukwe blocked the punt. Kaiden Turner recovered the ball for Indiana.
The Hoosiers scored another touchdown three plays later. Oregon faced a 56-15 deficit by the two-minute timeout.
Oregon’s late offense produced chunk plays of 9-40 yards or incompletions. The Ducks managed one more touchdown but couldn’t change the game’s outcome.
Championship game awaits
The execution gap proved decisive throughout the contest. Indiana maximized big plays and won situational football battles.
Oregon never established rhythm against Indiana’s prepared defense. The Ducks spent most of the game playing catch-up after early mistakes.
The No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers will face the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
Cignetti’s approach has proven effective against high-powered offenses. The Hoosiers’ disciplined style neutralized Oregon’s speed advantages.
