ATLANTA - The Indiana Hoosiers are precisely where the world never thought they would be: four quarters away from a national title berth. For a program whose history is defined by losses rather than wins, the rapid transformation in just two years under Curt Cignetti has the Hoosiers going on the biggest “business trip” in program history.
The Heisman Trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza, has been calm throughout the chaos of the college football playoffs. Mendoza emphasized the focus on being “immersed in this moment”. Mendoza stated on Wednesday night's Peach Bowl media session that he has unplugged from social media to filter out the noise, listening instead to his coaches and teammates to continue the Hoosiers' momentum. “ I want us to continue playing like the underdog with a hungry and humble mentality. This is a business trip.”, Mendoza said about the number one-ranked and undefeated Indiana Hoosiers.
Defensively, the Hoosiers are looking to leave no doubt. Linebacker Aiden Fisher has made it clear that, well, many see this as a revenge game for Oregon; Indiana is equally motivated to correct the mistakes it made in the 30-20 regular-season victory in Eugene. Fisher believes the team is in a much better place now after being tested against Oregon, Ohio State, and Alabama: “The longer you play in a season, the better you play with your teammates and your scheme.” Fisher echoes a common belief held throughout the defense, led by defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, that the defense must be fast, physical, and relentless on every play.
Oregon, led by Dan Lanning, is a team built on connection, believing they are peaking at the precise moment. The Ducks have not lost since facing the Hoosiers in October.
Lanning is viewing. The peach bowl is an entirely different puzzle to solve. He noted that neither program is identical to the one that met in Eugene. "Neither one of us are the same team that you saw earlier in the season," Lanning remarked. "I think we’ve grown in a lot of different ways. As your team changes, you change and adapt to your strengths". He specifically highlighted the growth of his quarterback, noting that earlier in the season, Dante Moore hadn’t played in a ton of games or been given the opportunity to shine in an Oregon uniform. Moore has found his rhythm for the Ducks as he has carried them to five straight 12-point or more victories. In the past week, the Ducks lost a key member of their backfield in the form of speedy running back Jordan Davison. Davison broke his clavicle in Oregon's shutout victory over Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl. Dan Lanning and offensive coordinator Will Stein aren’t phased by the injury, and look to lean into the strength-in-numbers philosophy that Dan Lanning has built his program around.
For Curt Cignetti, the Indiana coaching staff is equally focused on the evolution of their opponent, though he maintains his signature, blunt, emotionless perspective on the difficulty of the task. Equally focused on the evolution of their opponent, though he maintains his signature, blunt, emotionless perspective on the difficulty of the task. "It’s hard to beat a great team, period," Cignetti said. He praised Lanning as a "young superstar in the coaching profession" and highlighted Oregon's balance, noting that they "spread around the pass game, use all 52 yards," and possess a defensive scheme that keeps offenses off-balance with pre-snap reads. While the star power at quarterback draws the headlines, both coaches are looking toward the line of scrimmage as the deciding factor. Cignetti, who described his offensive line as a group of veteran, "blue-collar, steel-mill, lunch-pail type guys," knows that his unit must be near-perfect to handle an Oregon front that features 320-pound interior defenders. Despite all of the distractions from the transfer portal, outside noise, and an emphasis on a rematch, both coaches know what is at stake: a chance to play for a first-ever national championship.
The Indiana Hoosiers are expected to benefit from a significant "home field advantage" at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, given its proximity to Bloomington compared to Eugene. Mendoza highlighted the profound impact of the fanbase, recalling that the crowd for the Alabama victory was approximately 80% Indiana supporters. This overwhelming support, which Mendoza equated to having the "12th player on the field," has a history of disrupting opponents and boosting the Hoosiers' performance. Mendoza noted that support from the Indiana faithful has been consistent throughout the season and even stronger in the postseason.
As the countdown to kickoff draws closer by the hour, the differences in the programs are clear. Oregon is a team looking for revenge and to claw its way to the program's ever-elusive national title. Whereas Curt Cignetti’s Indiana Hoosiers are operating like a cold-blooded winning machine, every facet of the Hoosiers' game is calculated, disciplined, and hungry to continue trailblazing a path for college football immortality. For Cignetti, who has a good chance to be inducted into the same Hall of Fame as his father in this very city, the mission is simple: stay the course. "We're process driven—standards, expectations, accountability," he stated. Whether that process results in a historic 16-0 finish, the first in history, or Oregon finds its revenge will be decided tomorrow night under the lights.
Kickoff: Friday, Jan 9, 7:30 p.m. ET (ESPN) Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
