Fernando Mendoza passed for 215 yards and a pivotal touchdown in the fourth quarter, leading No. 7 Indiana to a 30-20 victory over No. 3 Oregon State, remaining unbeaten in the process.
Roman Hemby contributed with a touchdown for the Hoosiers (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten), as strong defensive plays thwarted the Ducks (5-1, 2-1). This win marked Indiana’s first against a top-five team in decades, the last being against then-No. 3 Purdue in 1967.
Dante Moore had 186 yards and a touchdown through the air, but faced challenges with two interceptions and six sacks, leading Oregon State to their first loss of the Big Ten season.
Moore’s streak at Autzen Stadium, which hit 18 games, ended, marking the longest active home win streak in the nation.
Trailing 20-13 in the fourth quarter, Oregon’s Brandon Finney intercepted a pass from Mendoza, returning it 35 yards to tie the game with 12:42 to go. Mendoza responded by connecting with Elijah Surratt for an 8-yard touchdown, securing the lead for Indiana with 6:23 left on the clock.
In Oregon’s subsequent series, Moore’s pass was intercepted by Louis Moore, which set up Brendan Franke’s 22-yard field goal with just over two minutes to play, sealing the Hoosiers’ win.
Coach Curt Cinetti praised his team’s second-half defense and highlighted Mendoza’s ability to extend plays. “Mendoza did well, especially with that crucial play to Surratt,” he noted.
Both squads returned from breaks, with Oregon State having just defeated Penn State in a double-overtime thriller, while Indiana edged Iowa on the road.
Reflecting on the significance of this victory, Cinetti remained level-headed. “It’s great, but what matters is how we progress from here. We’ve got to stay humble and ready to work,” he said.
The game kicked off with Oregon’s failed fourth-and-one attempt, giving Indiana favorable field position. A final 42-yard field goal from Niko Radic set the tone for the game.
Oregon State initially claimed the lead with Moore’s 44-yard touchdown pass to Malik Benson, but Hemby answered with a 3-yard rush to put the Hoosiers ahead 10-7 before the first quarter ended.
Atticus Sappington tied the game with a 40-yard field goal for Oregon, but a 36-yard attempt that could have given them the advantage failed to find its mark.
Franke’s 58-yard field goal as the clock expired gave Indiana a 13-10 lead at halftime.
Oregon State tied it again in the third with another field goal from Sappington, but Hemby then added a second touchdown for the Hoosiers with a short run.
After the game, Oregon State’s coach, Dan Lanning, characterized the defeat as a valuable lesson. “It was a total team effort; we need to acknowledge that everyone’s on the hook today,” he remarked, agreeing the better team won.
Take-out
It’s likely Oregon will drop in the AP Top 25 while Indiana climbs. This nail-biter was reminiscent of last year’s close call between Oregon State and Ohio State.
This game could also influence the Big Ten standings and playoff considerations, although the Ducks and Hoosiers both won’t face the top-ranked Buckeyes this season.
Looking ahead, Oregon State will head to Piscataway for a matchup against Rutgers.
It’s not over yet
Lanning reminded his team of the road ahead, emphasizing the reality of competitive college football. “Every goal is still attainable, and we need to come back stronger,” he concluded.
