Eugene, Ore. — Fernando Mendoza delivered under pressure, throwing for 215 yards and a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown as No. 7 Indiana stunned No. 3 Oregon 30–20 on Saturday night, staying unbeaten and earning one of the program’s biggest wins in decades.
Roman Hemby added two rushing scores, and Indiana’s defense came up clutch with six sacks and two interceptions to silence a raucous Autzen Stadium crowd. The victory marked the Hoosiers’ first over a top-five opponent since they beat No. 3 Purdue in 1967 — a span of nearly 60 years.
“This was a total team win,” Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti said. “Our defense was tremendous, our special teams made big plays, and Mendoza just kept finding ways to make things happen when we needed them most.”
The loss snapped Oregon’s 18-game home winning streak — the longest active run in the nation — and handed the Ducks (5–1, 2–1 Big Ten) their first Big Ten loss since joining the conference.
Late Drama in Autzen
Trailing 20–13 early in the fourth quarter, Oregon finally seized momentum when Brandon Finney intercepted Mendoza and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown, tying the game with 12:42 to play.
But Mendoza and the Hoosiers (6–0, 3–0) didn’t flinch. On the next drive, the sophomore quarterback engineered a poised 75-yard march, capped by an 8-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt that gave Indiana the lead for good with just over six minutes remaining.
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore tried to rally the Ducks, but his next pass was picked off by Louis Moore. The turnover set up Brendan Franke’s 22-yard field goal with 2:06 left, putting the game out of reach and sealing Indiana’s upset victory.
A Balanced Effort
Mendoza completed 17 of 28 passes and added key yards scrambling to extend drives, while Hemby’s two touchdowns gave Indiana the steady ground attack it needed.
Franke also nailed a 58-yard field goal to end the first half — the longest of his career — giving the Hoosiers a 13–10 lead at the break.
Indiana’s defense dominated the line of scrimmage, limiting Oregon’s powerful rushing game and forcing Moore into hurried throws.
“We played with heart and physicality,” Cignetti said. “Beating a top-three team in this building isn’t easy. But our guys believed.”
Oregon Struggles to Find Rhythm
Moore finished 17 of 30 for 186 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. His lone scoring pass — a 44-yard strike to Malik Benson — came early in the first quarter. After that, Indiana’s defense consistently disrupted his timing.
“We didn’t have our best stuff today,” Oregon coach Dan Lanning admitted. “That was a team loss — coaching, execution, everything. Indiana played better than we did.”
The Ducks tied the game twice but missed opportunities proved costly, including a 36-yard field goal that went wide left in the second quarter.
Historic Context
The Hoosiers’ win wasn’t just about the upset — it was a statement. Indiana, long a football afterthought in the Big Ten, is now firmly in the conference title conversation and climbing toward the College Football Playoff picture.
Cignetti, however, kept his focus on what’s ahead. “It’s a great win, but it only matters if we build on it,” he said. “We have to show up Monday humble and hungry.”
Stat Leaders
Indiana
Fernando Mendoza: 17–28, 215 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Roman Hemby: 20 carries, 87 yards, 2 TDs
Elijah Sarratt: 6 catches, 74 yards, 1 TD
Brendan Franke: 3 field goals (58, 42, 22 yards)
Oregon
Dante Moore: 17–30, 186 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Malik Benson: 5 catches, 82 yards, 1 TD
Atticus Sappington: 2 field goals (40, 33 yards)
Up Next:
Indiana: Returns home to face Michigan State next Saturday.
Oregon: Travels to Rutgers looking to bounce back.
