This game is a rematch from October 11th when Indiana defeated Oregon in Eugene 30-20. That game is Oregon’s only loss of the season. This one comes down to the old dog versus young pup. Curt Cignetti is 64 years old. Dan Lanning 39. While there is a gap in age, both coaches spent time at Alabama under Nick Saban. So, what separates them in this game? Is it age and experience or coaching philosophy? Perhaps will have an answer at the end of this one.
The Ducks have won 10 games or more in all four of Dan Lanning’s seasons as head coach. In two seasons at Indiana Cignetti has a record of 25-2 and doesn’t appear to be slowing down. I haven’t followed Lanning like I have Cignetti. But I do know he is an aggressive young coach who has found success in his first job as a head coach.
As for Cignetti, I’ll admit I didn’t know who he was – until I did. Right out of the gate I couldn’t stand the guy. Where did Indiana find this braggadocios gas bag. I rooted against him and the Indiana program his first season, hoping he’d be put in his place.
One year later things have changed, I love the guy. Does that make me a bandwagon fan? I hope not. I like to think, much like a player, I finally bought into what Cignetti’s selling. And why not? It works.
As for Oregon, other than Indiana, Iowa, USC, and Texas Tech, they haven’t faced much competition. The only reason I listed Iowa was because they took the Ducks to the wire. Other than the loss to Indiana, Texas Tech is the best team they have faced all season. And for some reason Tech didn’t show up for that game.
Indiana has defeated Oregon, Ohio State, and Alabama. The latter, convincingly. And it hasn’t been done with smoke and mirrors but with good old-fashioned butt-kicking football. If you’re a Husker fan and live by the motto, “Just run the damn ball,” then you must admire Indiana football.
When looking at these two coaches and their success, it could be said Lanning was born on second base with an inheritance from Nike. As for Cignetti, there isn’t a better story in college football. He took a perennial losing program and turned them into a D1 powerhouse. Cig and the Hoosiers are the real deal.
The Game
Peach Bowl, Atlanta, Georgia
(5) Oregon 13-1 vs (1) Indiana 14-0
ESPN 6:30pm
Hoosier Offense
Indiana outgained Alabama 407-193 in yardage in the Rose Bowl. You could say it was expected. The Hoosiers rush for an average of 220.7 yards per game at a 5.4 yard per carry clip. Many will point to the Hoosier’s skill players, but Indiana’s success lies with their offensive line. One of the top units in the Big Ten, whether running the ball or pass protecting, they have controlled the line of scrimmage all season. However, they did struggle slightly against Oregon. in the rushing department they only outgained Oregon by thirty yards, 111 to 81.
Top rushers are running backs Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black. Hemby has rushed for 1,007 yards, a 5.2ypc average, and 7 TDs. Black has rushed for 898 yards, a 5.7ypc average, and 8 TDs. Add that to QB Fernado Mendoza’s 256 yards and 6 TDs and you have a dominant running game that keeps defenses on their heels and creates a wide-open passing game.
A QB whisper, Cignetti brought in a good Cal QB in Mendoza and made him a Heisman Trophy winner. Mendoza finished the season with 3,172 yards passing, a 72.3% complete rate, 36 TDs, and 6 interceptions. His 36 TDs leads the FBS. In the quarterfinal game against a stout Alabama defense, he was 14/16 for 192 yards and 3 TDs. Not crazy production but coupled with a running game that produced 215 yards and 2 TDs, it was more than effective.
Mendoza has multiple targets starting with WR’s Omar Cooper and Elijah Sarratt. Cooper has 61 receptions for 849 yards and 12 TDs on the season. Sarratt has 55 receptions for 727 yards and 13 TDs. Three more receivers each have over 350 yards receiving and 10 total TDs. Hemby is also a threat out of the backfield with 14 receptions for 160 yards.
On the season Indiana averages 468.1 yards of total offense and 41.6 points per game, making them one of the most productive offenses in the CFP.
Duck’s Defense
The Ducks only allow an average of 267.3 yards per game, 156.6 passing, and 110.8 rushing. They give up an average of 15.14 points per game. They are led by linebacker Bryce Boettchr with 125 total tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 interception, 5 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles. Linebacker Teitum Tuioti is the third leading tackler and sack leader. He has 66 total tackles, 16 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, 5 PDs, 2 FF. True freshman DB Brandon Finney had 3 interceptions on the season with 1 TD. The Ducks had four takeaways against Texas Tech, with two of those being interceptions by Finney. Against Tech they only allowed 137 yards passing and 78 yards rushing for 215 total yards. As a defense on the season, they have 69 TFLs, 29 sacks, 15 interceptions, 6 fumble recoveries and 11 forced fumbles. They can be a dominating unit, especially with takeaways.
Oregon’s Offense
It would be easy to say as Dante Moore goes, so go the Ducks. In their only loss Moore passed for 186 yards and a TD against the Hoosiers but threw 2 interceptions and was sacked 6 times. However, in the quarterfinal he was voted the MVP of the Orange Bowl win against a stout Texas Tech defense, completing 26/33 passes for 233 yards. On the season he has passed for 3,280 yards and 28 TDs, and 9 interceptions. He’s mobile and moves well in the pocket and has rushed for 186 yards and 2 TDs while being sacked 14 times.
Running back Noah Whittingham is the Ducks leading rusher with 829 yards, a 6.4ypc average, and 6 TDs. Right behind him is Jordan Davison with 667 yards, a 5.9ypc average, and 15 TDs. And finally, Dierre Hill Jr. has rushed for 570 yards, an 8.8ypc average, and 5 TDs. All three running backs have game breaking capability with runs of over 65 yards. The three have also combined for 45 receptions for 272 yards and 2 TDs.
The Ducks leading receiver is Malik Benson with 41 receptions for 696 yards and 6 TDs. But it could be said receiving is done by committee, as the next four receivers all average over 425 yards receiving and have 16 TDs. As witnessed against Texas Tech the tight ends were the big threats on third down. Kenyon Sadiq and Jamari Jordan had 8 receptions for 88 yards. On the season Sadiq had 46 receptions for 531 yards and 8 TDs. Jordan had 28 receptions for 427 yards and 2 TDs. Watch out for Oregon’s TE’s against Indiana.
Indiana’s Defense
The Hoosier defense only allows 73.7 yards per game rushing and 179.8 yards passing, for a total of 242.6 yards and 10.3 points per game. As a unit they recorded 118 TFLs, 42 sacks, 17 interceptions, 46 pass deflections, 9 fumble recoveries, and 11 forced fumbles.
The strength of the defense lies with the linebacking crew. Leading tacklers are linebackers Rolijah Hardy and Aiden Fisher. Hardy logged 95 total tackles, 14 TFLs, 8 sacks, and 4 PDs. Fisher has 84 total tackles, 8 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 2 INTs, 1 for a TD, 1 FF, and 1 FR. The 3rd leading tackler is defensive back Louis Moore with 76. He is also the Hoosiers interception leader with 6. Defensive lineman Stephan Daley can be disruptive, logging 19 TFLs, 5.5 sacks, 1 PD, and 2 FFs. Indiana’s defense is talented and Cignetti has built a unit that plays with physicality.
I anticipate this game being as competitive as the Miami versus Ole Miss game, although I think Indiana will pull away in the fourth quarter. There are obviously flaws with the CFP, but as a college football fan, how can you complain.
OTC’s Pick – Indiana 30-24
As always, GO BIG RED NEBRAKSA!!
Artwork by Lyle Harmon
Stats gathered from ESPN – Serving Sports Fans. Anytime. Anywhere.
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