ATLANTA (AP) — With two rushing touchdowns, five passing touchdowns, three forced turnovers and a blocked kick, No. 1 Indiana’s domination of No. 5 Oregon was balanced and impressive.
The Hoosiers showed why they entered the College Football Playoff as the favorite to win the national championship.
Undefeated Indiana’s already impressive march through the CFP gained momentum as its dominant defense created three first-half touchdowns with turnovers, Fernando Mendoza threw five scoring passes and the Hoosiers overwhelmed Oregon 56-22 in the Peach Bowl semifinal on Friday night.
Indiana (15-0, No. 1 CFP) will face No. 10 Miami on Jan. 19 in the national championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Miami beat Mississippi 31-27 in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal on Thursday night.
Indiana will try to give the Big Ten its third straight national title, following Ohio State and Michigan the last two seasons. Few teams from any conference can compare with the Hoosiers’ season-long demonstration of balanced strong play.