"Unfortunately for Oregon, I think Indiana has had a much more impressive season, and they have the tools to win over the Ducks."
PASADENA, CA - With 10:33 left in the 4th quarter, Indiana Running Back Roman Hemby broke away for an 18 yard touchdown to secure the victory, as Indiana ultimately defeated Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl, a dominating performance for Indiana. More importantly, this secures Indiana’s spot in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl, a Semifinal game against Oregon that’s do-or-die for the Hoosiers. The Peach Bowl will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA.
Both Teams Had Dominant Performances
Although Indiana’s 38-3 victory against Alabama is impressive, Oregon’s shut-out win against Texas Tech 23-0 is equally, if not more impressive. In many aspects, Alabama has had a disappointing season compared to years past. It was up and down for the rolling tide, losing in the first game of the season to Florida State 31-17, bouncing back in a 3-week period to defeat Georgia 24-21, then stumbling to end the year losing to an 8th ranked Oklahoma team, and Georgia in the SEC Championship game.
Despite defeating Oklahoma in the first round, Indiana was too much for this team. Even Alabama’s effort to switch starting quarterback Ty Simpson for 2nd string Austin Mack wasn’t enough to ignite the offense. This wasn’t due to Alabama’s offense, but to Indiana’s defense being that talented! They forced Alabama to punt 4 separate times, while putting pressure on Alabama’s quarterback with 3 sacks and 6 tackles-for-loss (TFL).
As I had mentioned, Oregon’s win against Texas Tech could be just as impressive, and here’s why; this wasn’t even Oregon’s A+ game, more like their C+ game.
Sure, players for Oregon like Jordan Davison had 42 Rushing Yards with 2 Rushing Touchdowns, and Jamari Johnson Receiving for 66 Yards on 4 Receptions, Oregon offensively wasn’t impressive. They even had to attempt 4 field goals, and punt twice. Even though Oregon couldn’t score, it could be considered a “defensive slug-fest” from here out. Oregon dominated on the Defensive front, forcing 2 Interceptions from Behren Morton, as well as forcing 2 Fumbles. They also dominated Texas Tech in the Sacks department, forcing 4 sacks compared to Tech’s 2 sacks.
Texas Tech also didn’t have a bad season either, they finished 12-2 overall for the season and won the Big 12 Championship for the first time since 2009, ending a 14-year drought. Oregon was simply more battle-tested than the Red Raiders, defeating Iowa, USC, and leading to Penn State’s downfall with a 30-24 2nd Overtime victory.
My Prediction
Unfortunately for Oregon, I think Indiana has had a much more impressive season, and they have the tools to win over the Ducks. Fernando Mendoza had a phenomenal game against Alabama, and the Quarterback from Oregon Dante More could’ve played better as he didn’t finish with a passing touchdown against Texas Tech
Oregon’s only loss this season was also to Indiana, being defeated 30-20 in Eugene. I think this game will be a similar outcome, with Indiana ultimately winning and facing the winner of Ole Miss vs Miami. My score prediction is 24-21 in favor of Indiana.
Key Stat
Indiana forced Alabama to punt 4 times and recorded 3 sacks.
Final Score
Indiana 38, Alabama 3
