Semifinal Matchup Sets Stage for National Title Indiana (14‑0, No. 1 CFP) will meet Oregon (13‑1, No. 5 CFP) in the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, with the victor advancing to the national championship against Miami in South Florida [1][2][3]. Both programs earned their spots by winning their quarterfinal games, and the game marks a rematch of their regular‑season meeting earlier this year [1]. The semifinal pits the top‑seeded Hoosiers against the Ducks, whose only regular‑season loss came to Indiana [1].

Quarterfinal Victories Propel Hoosiers and Ducks Indiana routed Alabama 38‑3 in the Rose Bowl, delivering the program its first bowl win since 1991 and cementing its No. 1 ranking [2][3]. Oregon shut out Texas Tech 23‑0 in the Orange Bowl, snapping an 18‑game home winning streak and extending its own winning run to eight games [2][3]. Those decisive victories secured the Peach Bowl matchup and set the final‑four bracket alongside Miami versus Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl [3].

Quarterback Duel Highlights Title Stakes Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza leads the nation with 36 touchdown passes and is projected as a top‑2026 NFL draft pick [1][3]. Oregon’s Dante Moore threw for 234 yards with no touchdowns against Texas Tech and previously recorded two interceptions and six sacks in the regular‑season loss to Indiana [1][3]. Both signal‑callers are central to their teams’ offensive identities and will be closely watched in the semifinal [3].

Defensive Prowess Fuels Hoosier Underdog Narrative Indiana’s defense ranks second nationally in both yards and points allowed, a key factor in its Rose Bowl dominance and overall title run [2]. Coaches emphasize an underdog mindset, urging the Hoosiers to stay hungry despite their top ranking [2][3]. Oregon also showcased defensive strength, forcing four turnovers against Texas Tech, underscoring that both semifinalists rely heavily on stout defense to complement their offensive firepower [3].