This football season has been one for the books for the football team at Indiana University. The Hoosiers have accomplished numerous accolades so far, such as winning their first Big Ten Championship game, becoming the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, and their standout quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, becoming Indiana’s first Heisman Trophy winner. They are currently the only undefeated team in college football and just recently routed the historic program of the Alabama University’s Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl by a score of 38-3. The Hoosiers are showing no signs of slowing down any time soon as they are taking the trip to Atlanta, Georgia, to compete in the College Football Playoffs semi-finals. This Friday, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl will be held in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, at 7:30 pm, where the Indiana Hoosiers will face off against the Oregon Ducks.
With only three teams left in the chase for the championship (Indiana, Oregon, and Miami), it is crunch time for the remaining universities. These players are competing on the biggest stage, and the pressure has never felt heavier. Indiana and Oregon faced off against each other earlier this year, which concluded in a 30-20 Indiana victory. This matchup, however, took place rather early in the season, and both teams have had time to develop and hone their skills.
Since this previous matchup, IU has kept its foot on the gas pedal. They have been crushing opponents left and right this entire season and have the record to prove it. The greatness of Indiana Football this season has not gone unnoticed; rather, it has been esteemed by football fans everywhere and rightly so. The Hoosiers’ top performers are running back, Roman Hemby, cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, wide receiver, Elijah Sarratt, and, of course, quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza has led the way for the Hoosiers this season with countless outstanding performances. According to SportingNews.com’s Zain Bando, ex-NFL coach Bruce Arians, was asked his thoughts on Mendoza, and he said, “Yeah, I think he’s got all the traits… he’s got all the measurables. The guy can spin it. He’s athletic. Reminds me a lot of Drake May coming out, same height, speed. He can place the ball anywhere he wants to put it.” Fernando has been a great leader for the Hoosiers this year on the field and has been praised for his humble manner off the field as well. After the Rose Bowl game, Mendoza was asked his thoughts heading into the Oregon game, and he responded with, “Oregon, fantastic Big Ten opponent. We went over there, and it’s really hard to beat a team twice. Oregon, Donte Moore, Dan Lanning, and their defensive coordinator, Lupoi. Those guys are legit, and so I think it’s going to be a great matchup. I can’t wait to play some good football against them. They’re a tough opponent.”
According to USAToday.com’s Paul Myerberg, the opponent that Mendoza speaks of is coming into this upcoming game with an eight-game winning streak. Their most recent victory was a shutout 23-0 victory over a Texas Tech squad that has been scoring high all season. The Ducks have held their own, posting a record of 13-1, their only loss being Indiana. Meyerberg also stated, “At times this season, the Ducks have looked like the best team in the Power Four”. “It’ll take a balanced game to beat the Hoosiers, though.” Oregon is a tough football team, but the question is, are they tough enough?
One thing we do know for certain is that all eyes will be on the matchup of Indiana and Oregon on Friday night. The undefeated Hoosiers are heading into the competition with immense confidence, while the Ducks will be heading in seeking vengeance for their fall to Indiana previously this season. Will “Heismendoza” continue this historic run and lead the Hoosiers to the CFP championship? Or will Oregon, under the direction of Dan Lanning, secure its spot in the finale? Find out, Friday night at 7:30… and go Hoosiers!
From the sidelines to the headlines, this is Lauren, signing out.
