Indiana Hoosiers Upset Oregon Ducks: Key Takeaways and Historic Win
In a stunning display of grit and determination, the Indiana Hoosiers football team beat the Oregon Ducks 30-20. This win snapped Oregon’s impressive 18-game home winning streak and marked Indiana’s first-ever road win against a top-five opponent.
The Hoosiers, led by coach Curt Cignetti, showed off a balanced attack and a tough defense. They made it clear they’re a force to watch in college football.
Indiana’s Historic Win
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This triumph over the Ducks was more than just a win—it was a statement. Indiana, ranked No. 7, traveled all the way to Eugene and took down the No. 3 Ducks in a game where Oregon’s high-powered offense managed just 64 yards in the second half.
It’s only Indiana’s second-ever victory over a top-five opponent. The first came way back in 1967 against Purdue.
Defensive Dominance
Indiana’s defense led the way. The Hoosiers held Oregon to 267 total yards and sacked quarterback Dante Moore six times.
Moore, who had only been sacked once all season, struggled under relentless pressure. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 186 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
Indiana’s defense held an Oregon offense—averaging nearly 47 points per game—to just one touchdown. That kind of performance is rare.
Key Defensive Players
Aiden Fisher and the rest of Indiana’s linebackers set the tone. Their speed and aggression made life miserable for Oregon’s offense.
Indiana’s coaches mixed in simulated pressures and used four rushers often. Moore looked unsettled most of the night, and you could see the tactical plan working.
Offensive Efficiency
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza kept Indiana’s offense humming. He completed 20 of 31 passes for 215 yards, with one touchdown and one interception.
Mendoza’s quick reads and accurate throws in their RPO-heavy scheme made a big difference. He looked calm, even when things got tense.
Mendoza’s Leadership
After Oregon tied the score at 13 in the third quarter, Mendoza led a 75-yard touchdown drive. He completed four passes and converted a third down with an 8-yard run.
Even after a pick-six early in the fourth quarter, Mendoza bounced back. He answered with a 12-play, go-ahead scoring drive—pretty impressive composure.
Special Teams Contributions
Indiana’s special teams chipped in, too. Kickers Nicolas Radicic and Brendan Franke combined for three field goals, including a 58-yarder by Franke just before halftime.
Those points helped the Hoosiers keep momentum and, honestly, made a big difference on the scoreboard.
Oregon’s Struggles
For Oregon, this loss was a gut punch. The Ducks had looked like one of the country’s best after beating Penn State, but now there are questions about their status in the Big Ten and playoff picture.
Oregon’s rebuilt offensive line couldn’t protect Moore. They struggled all night against Indiana’s pressure, and the Ducks never really found answers.
Coaching and Preparation
Oregon coach Dan Lanning admitted Indiana came in more prepared. The Ducks’ offensive line, with two new starting tackles from the transfer portal, had trouble all game.
Lanning knows they’ll need to reassess and make some changes going forward. No way around it.
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Player Performances
One bright spot for Oregon? Defensive lineman Bear Alexander. Despite some questions about his consistency, Alexander made a few big plays, including a solo tackle on Roman Hemby for just a 2-yard gain.
His effort stood out in a game where Oregon struggled to find positives.
Looking Ahead
Indiana’s victory has boosted their playoff hopes. According to The Athletic’s model, the Hoosiers now have an 83 percent chance of making the College Football Playoff, way up from 51 percent before Week 7.
This win has put them firmly in the national conversation and set up an exciting rest of the season.
Future Challenges
Indiana still has some tough games ahead. Upcoming matchups against top-ranked teams will test their resilience and ability to keep this up.
But with Mendoza at quarterback and a defense that can shut down even the best offenses, the Hoosiers might just have what it takes for a deep run.
Oregon’s Path Forward
Oregon faces a tough road ahead. They’ll need to regroup and figure out what went wrong in their recent loss.
The Ducks have plenty of talent. Their coaching staff knows how to make adjustments, but it’s clear something has to change if they want to stay competitive in the Big Ten.
Playoff hopes aren’t gone yet. Still, Oregon needs to act fast and get back on track.