Indiana Football Game Preview: Oregon – key question, injury report, how to watch

Indiana football heads into their biggest matchup of the 2025 season against No. 3 Oregon.

The No. 7 Hoosiers are coming off a bye week after a 5-0 start that included wins over No. 17 Illinois, Iowa, and Old Dominion.

Oregon is also coming off a bye week after improving to 5-0 with a win at Penn State. Head coach Dan Lanning is in his 4th year with the Ducks, boasting a 40-6 record with just one home loss.

Oregon is led by their quarterback Dante Moore, who has put himself into the Heisman conversation with his exceptional play this season.

Saturday’s game will be a chance for Indiana to establish themselves as a national contender when they travel to Eugene.

This will also be the fourth time College Gameday is at an Indiana game since the start of 2024 (2024 – host Washington, at Ohio State, at Notre Dame; 2025 – at Oregon).

Below is the full preview ahead of Saturday’s week seven game.

Opposing Q&A: Oregon head coach Dan Lanning previews Week 7 clash with Indiana

Key Question

Which quarterback has the edge on Saturday?

Quarterbacks Dante Moore and Fernando Mendoza have to be the story coming into this game.

Both players are in their first year starting for their programs and have both excelled.

Through five games, Mendoza has thrown for 1,208 yards, and Moore has thrown for 1,210. Mendoza has thrown for 16 passing touchdowns, and Moore has thrown for 14.

They have also done a great job of protecting the football, as they each have only thrown one interception.

Mendoza and Moore have both been favorites for the Heisman Trophy at points this year as a result of their play.

Currently, Moore is tied for the favorite at +500 while Mendoza is not far behind at +1300 per BetMGM.

Saturday will be a battle of two of the nation’s best quarterbacks, and they will have their hands all over the outcome of the game.

While quarterback play will be crucial, both defensive lines are filled with talent and will be looking to get involved.

Indiana struggled to protect Mendoza against Iowa, and Oregon’s pass rush could pose problems for Indiana.

Matayo Uiagalelei has been causing problems for two years now for opposing offenses. Last season, he had 10.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. He already has 4.5 sacks and five tackles for loss in five games this year.

On the other side, Moore has only been sacked once this year, and getting pressure will be critical for the Hoosier defense.

Mikail Kamara has been quiet this season as opponents have chosen to double him at all times. If Oregon elects to let him go one-on-one, he could make his presence felt in a big way.

Ultimately, whichever quarterback is able to stay upright and make plays will likely be the one who comes out on top on Saturday.

Saturday’s game will be an exciting one between two prolific passers leading top ten teams.

Coach Q&A: Curt Cignetti previews Indiana’s Week 7 road trip to Oregon

Matchup History

Indiana football has faced off against Oregon 3 times and is 1-2 in those games.

The Hoosiers won the most recent matchup 30-24 in Eugene in 2004.

That was the last time Oregon lost at home to a Big Ten opponent.

(ON3+) Early Look: Taking a look at Indiana’s Week 7 opponent, Oregon

Injury Report

Star cornerback D’Angelo Ponds will be back after missing Indiana’s matchup against Iowa.

Running back Lee Beebe suffered a knee injury against Indiana State and will miss the rest of the 2025 season.

Redshirt-senior safety Bryson Bonds also will miss the rest of the 2025 season after suffering a knee injury in week one.

True freshman safety Byron Baldwin Jr. was called day-to-day by Cignetti after week one, but has yet to play for Indiana. His status for Saturday is in doubt.

Curt Cignetti’s message to Indiana ahead of Oregon showdown: ‘Relax and play their game’

Quick Hitters

Who?  #7 Indiana 5-0 (2-0) vs #3 Oregon 5-0 (2-0)

When?  Saturday, Oct. 11 | 3:30 p.m. ET

Where?  Autzen Stadium (Eugene, Ore.)

TV: CBS

Radio:  Indiana Hoosiers Sports Network

Spread:  Oregon -7.5 per BetMGM

Over/Under: 55.5 per BetMGM

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