Mon Jan 12 10:10:00 UTC 2026: Headline: Oregon Ducks Suffer Crushing Defeat to Indiana Hoosiers in College Football Playoff Semifinal
The Story:
The No. 5 Oregon Ducks were routed by the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers 56-22 in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Friday, January 10, 2026. A series of turnovers and defensive breakdowns plagued Oregon, allowing Indiana to build a significant lead early in the game. The Hoosiers capitalized on Oregon’s mistakes, scoring multiple touchdowns off turnovers and showcasing a dominant performance on both sides of the ball.
The loss marks the second consecutive postseason disappointment for Oregon, following a lopsided defeat to Ohio State in the previous season’s CFP quarterfinal. Indiana’s victory propels them to the CFP National Championship where they will face No. 10 Miami on January 19, 2026.
Key Points:
* Indiana defeated Oregon 56-22 in the CFP Semifinal.
* Oregon committed three turnovers in the first half, contributing to their early deficit.
* Indiana cornerback D’Angelo Ponds intercepted Oregon quarterback Dante Moore’s first pass for a touchdown.
* Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for 5 touchdowns.
* Oregon coach Dan Lanning and offensive coordinator Will Stein acknowledged the team’s poor performance and turnovers as critical factors in the loss.
* Dante Moore’s future plans regarding the NFL draft remain uncertain.
* Both Oregon’s offensive and defensive coordinators will be leaving for head coaching positions.
Key Takeaways:
* Turnovers were a major contributing factor to Oregon’s loss, highlighting the importance of ball security in high-stakes games.
* Indiana’s defensive strategy, particularly the early interception by D’Angelo Ponds, significantly impacted the game’s momentum.
* Oregon’s inability to overcome early adversity contributed to a lopsided defeat, showcasing the need for greater resilience in future playoff appearances.
* The departures of Oregon’s offensive and defensive coordinators signal a period of transition for the program.
* Dante Moore’s performance, coupled with the possibility of entering the NFL draft, adds uncertainty to Oregon’s future quarterback situation.
First Piper 