Hoosiers preach “underdog” edge, physicality and focus ahead of Peach Bowl rematch with Oregon

Written from transcripts

ATLANTA — January 8, 2026

In the final round of media availability before Indiana’s College Football Playoff semifinal rematch with Oregon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Hoosier players and coaches repeatedly returned to the same themes: stay hungry, stay physical, and keep the focus narrow—one opponent, one game, one moment. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza said Indiana is trying to keep an “underdog and hungry and humble mentality,” even after beating Oregon earlier and regardless of how the teams are ranked heading into the neutral-site showdown.

He described Oregon as a “national powerhouse” loaded with “draft picks” and talent across the roster, and said Indiana’s mindset is built around blocking out outside noise and leaning into its process. Mendoza said he has limited his social media to avoid the emotional whiplash of praise and criticism, choosing instead to listen to coaches and teammates “in the building.” He also credited Hoosier fans for turning the Rose Bowl win over Alabama into what he called a “home game,” estimating the crowd as “80 percent Indiana fans,” and said that kind of support functions like “the 12th player on the field.”

Linebacker Aiden Fisher echoed that locked-in approach, saying the defense’s attention is “on Oregon and winning this game,” and that Indiana views the matchup as a chance to grow against an offense he called explosive and increasingly comfortable as the season has progressed. Fisher pushed back on the idea that the game is only a “revenge” spot for Oregon, saying Indiana “didn’t play well” in the first meeting and has its own corrections to make.

On the back end, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds framed the game in blunt terms: “the most physical team will win,” he said, adding that Indiana’s defensive priority is to “eliminate explosives.” Ponds also attributed Indiana’s steadiness to Curt Cignetti’s weekly approach—“1-0 mindset” and “no warm fuzzies”—as the program has stacked wins through the postseason. Defensive coordinator Bryant Haines leaned into the same edge, bristling at any suggestion Indiana might get pushed around in the trenches. “We don’t get bullied,” he said.

Haines described his secondary as intensely competitive and said Ponds is “the best man corner in the country,” while also emphasizing that Indiana’s coverages can shift week to week depending on what the Ducks present. Haines and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan both described the uncommon challenge of facing the same opponent twice, stressing the need to avoid overthinking while still preparing for potential adjustments.

Haines said he wants it to be “Indiana’s defense against Oregon’s offense,” not a game plan built around “paralysis by analysis.” Shanahan said Indiana revisited the first matchup closely, but expects Oregon could come back with a different “change-up pitch,” making it essential to stay grounded in what Indiana does best. For Indiana’s offense, Shanahan repeatedly pointed to the run game as the foundation. “The run game is where it all starts for us,” he said, describing it as a way to get the offensive line in rhythm, keep the offense on schedule, and help the quarterback in protection.

Shanahan also acknowledged the pressure Oregon can generate, saying Indiana will need to be sharp in protections and disciplined with pre-snap and post-snap execution against a defense that can attack with pressure looks or win with a four-man rush. Offensive lineman Pat Coogan, who said Oregon’s front is “strong, long, fast, violent,” called it a major challenge—and also the kind of test Indiana expected to face on this stage.

Coogan said he’s trying to appreciate the atmosphere without getting distracted by the “glitz and glamor,” noting that Indiana’s path is straightforward: win the Peach Bowl first, then worry about anything beyond it. Taken together, Indiana’s message in Atlanta was consistent: the Hoosiers believe they’re built for a tight, physical game—if they stay disciplined, correct the sloppiness from the first meeting, and bring the same edge they say has carried them through the postseason.

The post Hoosiers preach “underdog” edge, physicality and focus ahead of Peach Bowl rematch with Oregon first appeared on The Bloomingtonian.