Image Source: Nick Bromberg
Key Takeaways
- Indiana’s win over Oregon in the Peach Bowl was defined by five key plays, including a pick-6 by D’Angelo Ponds and a blocked punt by Daniel Ndukwe.
- The Hoosiers’ offense was led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza, who threw five touchdowns in the game.
- Oregon’s quarterback, Dante Moore, struggled with turnovers, including two fumbles and an interception.
- Indiana’s defense was able to capitalize on Oregon’s mistakes, scoring multiple times off of turnovers.
- The win sets up a matchup between Indiana and Miami in the national championship game on January 19.
Introduction to the Game
The Indiana Hoosiers dominated the Oregon Ducks in the Peach Bowl, winning 56-22. As reported, "It’s very, very difficult to score on the first play from scrimmage when you do not have the ball. Yet Indiana was up 7-0 without its offense even thinking about taking the field." This early lead was courtesy of D’Angelo Ponds, who picked off Oregon’s Dante Moore on the first offensive play of the game and returned the ball for 25 yards. Ponds clearly knew where Moore wanted to go with the ball at the snap and read the QB’s eyes perfectly for the score.
The Turning Point
Oregon was able to bounce back on its next drive, scoring a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. However, the Hoosiers scored on their first offensive possession of the game to take the lead back. As noted, "After punting on their second offensive possession, Oregon had the ball at its own 13-yard line. And a self-inflicted disaster happened." Moore elected to pass the ball on a run-pass option, but the ball hit Dierre Hill Jr. in the shoulder and popped into the air. Mario Landino recovered at the Oregon 3-yard line, and three plays later, Indiana RB Kaelon Black was in the end zone for a two-score lead.
Mendoza’s Dominant Performance
Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman winner, had a dominant performance in the game, throwing five touchdowns. As reported, "Just four plays after getting the ball back, Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza threw his second TD of the night with a perfectly placed 36-yard bomb to Charlie Becker and a 28-7 lead." Mendoza’s performance was a key factor in Indiana’s win, and his ability to capitalize on Oregon’s mistakes was impressive.
Moore’s Struggles
Dante Moore, Oregon’s quarterback, struggled with turnovers in the game. As noted, "Two plays after Becker’s touchdown, Moore was strip-sacked by Daniel Ndukwe. Landino was in the right spot at the right time again and recovered the football." Moore’s fumbles and interception were costly for the Ducks, and the Hoosiers were able to capitalize on these mistakes to score multiple times.
The Final Nail in the Coffin
The game was effectively over by the time Indiana scored on its first possession of the second half to extend its lead to 42-7. However, Daniel Ndukwe provided the final nail in the coffin with his blocked punt of James Ferguson-Reynolds in the fourth quarter. As reported, "Just look how Ndukwe fought through the block to get to the kick. The ball was caught by Kaiden Turner and returned to the Oregon 7-yard line before Mendoza threw his fifth and final touchdown of the night for a 49-15 lead." Ndukwe’s blocked punt was a testament to his skills and determination, and it sealed the win for the Hoosiers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Indiana’s win over Oregon in the Peach Bowl was a dominant performance by the Hoosiers. The five key plays, including Ponds’ pick-6 and Ndukwe’s blocked punt, were crucial in securing the win. Mendoza’s performance was impressive, and Moore’s struggles with turnovers were costly for the Ducks. The win sets up a matchup between Indiana and Miami in the national championship game on January 19, and the Hoosiers will look to continue their winning ways. As reported, "The game was over at that point. There was no way Oregon was coming back." The Hoosiers’ victory was a convincing one, and they will look to bring home the championship title in their next game.
https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/breaking-news/article/5-plays-that-defined-indianas-blowout-peach-bowl-win-over-oregon-042141295.html
