Hoosiers put on a show at Peach Bowl, defeating Oregon and advancing to Title Game

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Editor’s note: We’re a few days late getting this posted, we mostly run this site alone, so we got behind. We actually caught the flu at the Rose Bowl, and were still somewhat sick when we covered the Peach Bowl. Catching up this week has been difficult. We head to Miami in the morning to cover the championship.

By Skip Daley – Special to the Bloomingtonian

Atlanta, Georgia – January 10, 2026

“Don’t run me over,” said IU Head Coach Curt Cignetti to his team as he led them onto the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA for the Peach Bowl. Instead, they ran over their opponents #5 Oregon from the onset of the game, compiling a 56-22 victory and berth in the National Championship Game.

Under the bright lights on Friday evening, the Indiana Hoosiers delivered one of the most electrifying performances in Peach Bowl history. For Indiana, it was more than a win – it was a statement that this undefeated Hoosiers team is indeed the real deal, shutting down any of the remaining deniers.

“We created turnovers that resulted in points, I think it was a great win,” said Coach Cignetti. “We got it done today and now we’ve got to get it together for one more.”

From the Onset

Indiana started off the evening winning the coin toss and did not look back for even a moment. IU deferred until the second half, kicked off to the Ducks, and Oregon returned the ball to their 20 yard line.

On the opening play of the game, Duck Quarterback Dante Moore from the pocket, threw a short pass to his left, intended for Malik Benson, but intercepted by the Defensive Player of the Game, D’Angelo Ponds, who returned the ball 25 yards, putting Indiana up 7 after a successful point after.

Indiana kicked off again, and this time Moore led his team on a brilliant 75-yard drive to tie up the game, but the Hoosier defense would prove relentless, not allowing Oregon any further momentum.

Near Perfect Play

Fernando Mendoza was finally allowed to take the field, demonstrating why he was the 2025 Heisman Trophy Award winner, looking methodical all evening. He showcased a 4/4, 80-yard drive capped by an amazing over the shoulder 8-yard grab by Receiver Omar Cooper Jr.

This would be Mendoza’s 1^st of 5 touchdown passes, spreading the love to 4 different receivers throughout the game. Kaelon Black would add another pair of TDs on the ground in this incredibly balanced Hoosier Offense.

The way this Hoosier team plays with “Symmetry,” as described by Mendoza, without many flaws, is rare and extremely special . . .

This symmetry even showed itself after a 3^rd Quarter Mendoza scramble for 18 yards where he spun away from an Oregon Defender and lost the football, but Offensive Lineman Pat Coogan had been trailing Mendoza and was there to jump on the loose ball, continuing Indiana’s nearly 1000 plays without a lost fumble.

The Defense not only converted 3 huge turnovers but added 3 timely sacks to their Peach Bowl Resume. Another highlight was their 3^rd Quarter 4^th down stop, ending any chance of Oregon regaining momentum.

Indiana’s Special Teams converted all 8 of their point-after attempts, pinned Oregon inside of their own 5-yard line, held the Ducks to 6 total punt return yards, and even blocked a punt deep in Oregon’s territory which converted to a quick touchdown.

As for Offense, there was no stopping this high-powered attack in which they can beat you with the run or the Mendoza-patented over the shoulder passes which have been indefensible this year. Mendoza had more touchdown passes in the evening than he did incomplete passes. He also accomplished this ridiculous feat last week in the Rose Bowl.

What the Statistics Say

·       Total Yards – Indiana 362, Oregon 378

·       Passing – Indiana 177, Oregon 285

·       Rushing – Indiana 185, Oregon 93

·       First Downs – Indiana 18, Oregon 19

·       Turnovers – Indiana 0, Oregon 3

·       Sacks – Indiana 3, Oregon 1

·       Time of Possession – Indiana 31:13, Oregon 28:47

Hoosier Nation

Indiana University has the largest Alumni Association in the country, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium was a sea of red. IU fans dominated the stands in what appeared to be an 80/20% advantage in the crowd.

“Well, there’s nothing like having a home semi-finals game,” said Coach Cignetti, praising Hoosier Nation for continuing their support of this rising football program.

Up Next

And then there were 2!

#1 Indiana will join #10 Miami in the College Football Playoff Championship Game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Coincidently, this is the home field for the Miami Hurricanes, but knowing the support for this Indiana Hoosier team, one cannot assume there will be much of a home-field advantage.

The much anticipated match-up will take place on Monday, January 19^th with a 7:30pm kickoff. The game will be televised by ESPN and covered live on the radio on Hoosier Country 105 with Don Fischer on the call.

Expect the Hoosiers to be between a 6 and 8 point favorite.

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