Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl: Playoff Semifinal Recap
In a remarkable display of strength, the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers defeated No. 5 Oregon Ducks 56-22 in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, a College Football Playoff semifinal held in Atlanta. The game took place on Friday night, showcasing Indiana’s undefeated record as they improved to 15-0 for the season.
Game Summary
The game saw Indiana’s defense producing three touchdowns in the first half, setting the tone early. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza shined, completing 17 of 20 passes for five touchdowns, including two to Elijah Sarratt. The Hoosiers built a substantial lead, ending the first half at 35-7.
- Attendance: 75,604
- Kickoff Time: 7:46 p.m. ET
- End of Game: 11:08 p.m. ET
- Game Duration: 3 hours, 21 minutes
Scoring Breakdown
| Quarter | Time | Teams | Scoring Play | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 14:49 | Indiana | D’Angelo Ponds 0 yd interception return (Nico Radicic kick) | 00:08 |
| 1 | 07:11 | Oregon | Jamari Johnson 19 yd pass from Dante Moore (Atticus Sappington kick) | 14-75 (07:38) |
| 1 | 00:40 | Indiana | Omar Cooper Jr. 8 yd pass from Fernando Mendoza (Nico Radicic kick) | 11-75 (06:31) |
| 2 | 08:17 | Indiana | Kaelon Black 1 yd rush (Nico Radicic kick) | 3-3 (01:12) |
| 2 | 03:13 | Indiana | Charlie Becker 36 yd pass from Fernando Mendoza (Nico Radicic kick) | 4-61 (01:44) |
| 2 | 00:59 | Indiana | Elijah Sarratt 2 yd pass from Fernando Mendoza (Nico Radicic kick) | 6-21 (01:37) |
| 3 | 08:52 | Indiana | E.J. Williams Jr. 13 yd pass from Fernando Mendoza (Nico Radicic kick) | 11-75 (06:08) |
| 3 | 07:50 | Oregon | Jay Harris 2 yd rush (Jamari Johnson pass from Dante Moore) | 2-75 (01:02) |
| 4 | 11:36 | Indiana | Elijah Sarratt 3 yd pass from Fernando Mendoza (Nico Radicic kick) | 3-7 (01:28) |
| 4 | 05:13 | Indiana | Kaelon Black 23 yd rush (Nico Radicic kick) | 5-65 (03:07) |
| 4 | 00:22 | Oregon | Roger Saleapaga 1 yd pass from Dante Moore (Atticus Sappington kick) | 12-75 (04:51) |
Upcoming Championship Game
With this victory, Indiana will advance to face No. 10 Miami on January 19 in the national championship game, set to be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. This matchup will mark a significant challenge for the Hoosiers as they attempt to secure the Big Ten’s third consecutive title in the College Football Playoff.
Indiana’s impressive season has highlighted their balanced gameplay and strong performances on both sides of the ball. Coach Curt Cignetti commended Mendoza for his remarkable performance, which included crucial plays that capitalized on the Ducks’ turnovers. Oregon, on the other hand, struggled with injuries and faced challenges against a dominant Indiana defense.
