The Heisman winner, Fernando Mendoza, and the Indiana Hoosiers are taking on Dante Moore and the Oregon Ducks for the last spot in the National Championship. With one half of the College Football Playoff semi-finals wrapped up, who will the Miami Hurricanes face? With both teams looking to win the Natty for the first time in the school’s history, let’s dive into tonight’s game!
Keys For The Hoosiers
Despite the Hurricanes‘ physical dominance the past two weeks, the Indiana Hoosiers have been THE most physical team all season long. If they want to reach the mountain top, they must continue to lean into what they do best. Impose their will. When you can run the ball in any situation, and when your defensive backs tackle the way theirs do, it shows the level of coaching and ability to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations.
Fernando Mendoza must rise above another high-pressure situation. He has been the best player in college this season. Look no further than the Big Ten Championship game against Ohio State. In a 3rd & 7, essentially with the game on the line and against the best secondary in the nation, deliver a 33-yard strike to Charlie Becker. Every big moment that the Hoosiers have needed him to pull through, he has exceeded and played above expectations.
Their suffocating defense must continue to suffocate. We saw the Ducks struggle last week against Texas Tech’s dominating defense. Despite Oregon leading 23-0 after three quarters, it was only a 13-0 game. If their pass rush can get to Moore, that is the key to shutting down this Oregon offense. Get to him early and often. I am not saying to hit him dirty, but make your presence known.
Ducks’ Keys To Success
Dante Moore needs to play clean tonight. In his last four starts, he has four interceptions. You can not afford to turn the ball over against this Indiana team. If Moore turns the ball over, especially early, it could affect his confidence the rest of the game. We know the Hoosiers’ defense has been one of the best at forcing turnovers, 3rd in the country. You turn the ball over against this team, and they make you pay. Plain and simple.
Some people say youth can be a hindrance to a team. I think two things can be true. In a playoff series, experience matters, but in a one-game scenario, youth can be an asset. The expression ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ can be massive in this game. The Ducks led the nation in snaps played by freshmen. How will they perform in the bright lights, the pressure, and the noise? It might not affect them the same as it would if they were the Hoosiers.
Keep Mendoza off the field. If you can keep the Indiana Hoosiers’ offense on the sideline, that might be the biggest key to victory. Indy was second in the nation in points per game and is coming off a 38-point explosion in its win against Alabama. When an offense is humming, you know what cools them off? Having them sit/stand on the sideline watching. They can’t impact the game from the sideline. Keep the hot hand on the sideline, and maybe Oregon can pull off this upset.
Who Wins?
I don’t see anyone stopping Indiana. They have been one of the best programs over the past two seasons since Curt Cignetti took over as their head coach. They are as close to a perfect team as it appeared Ohio State was. Going from the second-worst program in college football history to the dominant team since last season is one of the best sports stories in recent memory is amazing. Indiana wins and advances.
Final Thoughts
This could be the best game of the playoffs. Outside of the UGA-Ole Miss game, this has all the makings of an amazing game. Who do you think meets the Hurricanes in the National Championship, and who wins the whole thing?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts and preview for tonight’s Peach Bowl between the Indiana Hoosiers and Oregon Ducks! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.
