The Road to Miami: #1 Indiana and #5 Oregon Clash in Peach Bowl Rematch

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The college football world turns its eyes to Atlanta tonight, as No. 1 Indiana and No. 5 Oregon meet in a College Football Playoff semifinal with everything on the line. This isn’t just a battle for a spot in the National Championship; it is a high-stakes rematch of the October thriller that defined the regular season.

The winner will head to Miami on January 19 to face the Miami Hurricanes, who punched their ticket last night in a classic win over Ole Miss.

Game Info: The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl

Time: 7:30 PM ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Atlanta, GA
TV: ESPN
Line: Indiana -3.5 | Over/Under: 48.5

The Matchup: Power vs. Redemption

The story of this game is the “Round 2” factor. On October 11, Indiana shocked the Ducks in Eugene with a 30–20 victory—the only blemish on Oregon’s record. Since then, both teams have looked like the best versions of themselves.

The Case for the Hoosiers (14–0)

Indiana enters tonight as the nation’s only undefeated team, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. The Mendoza-led offense has been a model of efficiency, leading the country in third-down conversions (56.5%).

The Pass Rush: In the first meeting, the Hoosiers sacked Oregon’s Dante Moore six times. Look for Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones to bring that same heat tonight.
The Balance: Between Roman Hemby (1,000+ yards rushing) and a receiving corps led by Elijah Sarratt, Indiana can hurt you in too many ways to count.

The Case for the Ducks (13–1)

Oregon is on an eight-game winning streak and just dismantled Texas Tech 23–0 in the quarterfinals. They are playing for “get-back” motivation.

The Dante Moore Evolution: Moore has been spectacular since the IU loss, throwing for nearly 1,900 yards and 13 TDs in that span. He admitted to “seeing ghosts” in the first matchup; he now looks far more poised.
Explosive Potential: The Ducks lead the nation in plays of 20+ yards. If they can protect Moore, they have the speed to outrun Indiana’s secondary.

Key Injury & Roster News

Oregon’s Backfield Crisis: The Ducks will be severely tested at running back. Star freshman Jordon Davison (15 TDs) is OUT with a broken collarbone. With several other backs in the transfer portal, Oregon will rely heavily on veteran Noah Whittington and freshman Dierre Hill Jr.
Indiana’s Special Teams: The Hoosiers are expected to be without star kicker/kickoff specialist Brendan Franke. While the offense is healthy, missing a weapon that can hit from 55+ yards could be crucial in a tight game.

Players to Watch

Fernando Mendoza (QB, Indiana): The Heisman winner’s ability to extend plays with his legs was the difference-maker in October. Can he do it again on the fast turf in Atlanta?
Dante Moore (QB, Oregon): This is the biggest start of his young career. If he avoids the turnovers that plagued him in Eugene, Oregon wins.
Rolijah Hardy (LB, Indiana): The heartbeat of the IU defense. He’ll be the one tasked with keeping Moore uncomfortable all night.
Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon): A matchup nightmare. Indiana’s linebackers will have their hands full trying to track the big-bodied tight end in the red zone.

Prediction

Rematches usually favor the team with the most “pro-style” adjustments. While Oregon has the higher ceiling in terms of pure athletic talent, Indiana’s execution—specifically their lack of penalties and turnovers—is the safest bet in college football right now. Expect a physical, four-quarter fight that resembles their first meeting closely.

Final Score Prediction: Indiana 28, Oregon 24