Dominance in the Peach Bowl: Indiana Cruises Into National Title Game

In the 2026 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, a College Football Playoff semifinal, Indiana didn’t just beat Oregon; it buried the Ducks in the first half. Three Oregon turnovers, five Fernando Mendoza touchdown passes, and a 35–7 halftime lead turned the Peach Bowl into a runaway before the third quarter even started.

Game Recap

Indiana wasted no time seizing control. On Oregon’s first offensive snap, the Hoosiers jumped a pass that was returned for a touchdown, instantly flipping momentum and setting the tone. From there, Indiana dominated every phase of the game.

The Hoosiers raced to a 35–7 halftime lead, capitalizing on short fields and defensive breakdowns by Oregon. Indiana’s offense scored on five of its first six meaningful possessions, while the defense consistently disrupted Oregon’s rhythm. Running back Kaelon Black added two rushing touchdowns as Indiana’s offense turned short fields into points all night. Although the Ducks managed a few scores in the second half, the outcome was never in doubt.

Indiana’s balanced attack and ability to convert opportunities separated the two teams, as the Hoosiers repeatedly turned mistakes into points.

Player of the Game: Fernando Mendoza (Indiana QB)

Fernando Mendoza delivered a masterclass in efficiency and control. The Indiana quarterback completed 17 of 20 passes for 177 yards and five touchdowns, guiding an offense that did not commit a single turnover. His five-touchdown night was the defining performance of the semifinal round and kept Indiana in total control from start to finish.

Mendoza’s quick reads, accuracy in the red zone, and calm command of the offense kept Oregon off balance throughout the game. His performance allowed Indiana to build an early cushion and maintain full control from start to finish.

Penalties, Turnovers, and Possession Time

While the yardage totals were fairly even, the hidden statistics told the real story.

Indiana committed five penalties for 23 yards, while Oregon was flagged five times for 43 yards. The larger difference came in turnovers, where Oregon gave the ball away three times, all led by QB Dante Moore, and Indiana protected it flawlessly. Those turnovers led directly to points and crushed any chance of a Ducks comeback.

Time of possession slightly favored Indiana, 31:13 to Oregon’s 28:47, reflecting the Hoosiers’ ability to sustain drives and manage the game once they built a lead.

What This Win Means

With the Peach Bowl victory, Indiana has one more test to complete a perfect season and earned a spot in the national championship game. The win reinforced the Hoosiers’ identity: disciplined, opportunistic, and lethal when opponents make mistakes.

What’s Expected From Indiana Against Miami

Indiana now turns its focus to a national championship matchup against Miami, a team known for physical defense and timely offensive drives. For the Hoosiers, the formula is clear.

Ball security will remain paramount, especially against a Miami defense that thrives on forcing turnovers. Indiana will also look to control tempo through a balanced offensive approach, keeping its defense fresh and limiting Miami’s explosive opportunities.

If Fernando Mendoza continues his efficient play and the Hoosiers’ defense maintains its aggressive, turnover-forcing style, Indiana will enter the title game confident and well-positioned to finish a historic season.