Peach Bowl Preview: Player Props and Best Bet for Oregon vs Indiana

For the second straight year, a Big Ten team will compete for the national title. That’s assured as two of the conference’s top programs collide in the Peach Bowl on Friday when the No. 5-ranked Oregon Ducks (13-1) take on the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers (14-0) in Atlanta.

Oregon cruised to this semifinal matchup. The Ducks coasted in their 51-34 victory over James Madison, playing a handful of their backups against the No. 12-ranked Dukes. Oregon followed that up with a 23-0 drubbing of Texas Tech, keeping the Big 12’s best team scoreless for the first time this season.

Indiana earned its spot thanks to a convincing win over Alabama. The Hoosiers had their way with the Crimson Time, winning 38-3 in a game that wasn’t that close. Now, can the Big Ten’s championship program continue its undefeated season en route to the school’s first-ever championship game? We’ll cover that and provide three player props for the Peach Bowl below.

Indiana Hoosiers QB Fernando Mendoza OVER 208.5 Passing Yards

Heisman winner Fernado Mendoza is continuing his mission to hoist a third – and most important – trophy to end his career. After leading his team to an undefeated season and the program’s first-ever Big Ten Championship game victory, he’s focused on securing a national title for the Hoosiers.

His previous outing against the Ducks – a game Indiana won 30-20 – featured him completing 20 of his 31 throws for 215 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Hoosiers rely on their running game to set up the team’s passing attack.

Bettors should expect Oregon to limit Indiana’s rushing attack, forcing Mendoza to move the football through the air. It’s a challenge the senior signal-caller will be up for, and he’ll cover his passing prop bet total on Friday.

Oregon Ducks QB Dante Moore OVER 3.5 Rushing Yards

Sophomore quarterback Dante Moore has excelled this season. The 6-foot-3 signal-caller has completed nearly 73 percent of his passes for 3,280 yards, 28 touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

His previous performance against Indiana was middling at best. The sophomore completed 62 percent of his passes for 186 yards, but he threw two interceptions for the first time this season. He was also sacked multiple times, losing 27 rushing yards on nine attempts.

Why should this game be a better showing for the quarterback? For starters, Oregon is healthier heading into this game than their previous matchup, especially up front on the offensive line. And the quarterback has at least five rushing yards in 10 of his team’s 13 games. Expect him to finish on the positive side against Indiana this time, covering his minimal prop line.

Indiana Hoosiers WR Elijah Sarratt OVER 50.5 Receiving Yards

Mendoza’s top targets are Omar Cooper, Jr. and Elijah Sarratt. While Cooper is leading the team in nearly every category, Sarratt would be on top had the senior not missed three games mid-season for an injury.

He’s been quiet in his past five outings, catching four or less passes in blowouts and the Big Ten championship game. That wasn’t the case earlier this season against Oregon as Sarratt finished with eight catches for 121 yards and one score. Expect him to have a strong outing against the Ducks in the Peach Bowl, covering his player prop total.

Saturday, September 5 at 3:30 PM	Spread	Money	Total
Boise State Broncos	+24.5 (-110)	+1500	O 53.5 (-107)
Oregon Ducks	-24.5 (-115)	-3600	U 52.5 (-108)

Best Bet: OVER 47.5 Points

Analysts are saying this year’s final four schools are the most competitive field assembled in college football history. That’s a generous take for the two teams playing in the Fiesta Bowl as neither Miami nor Ole Miss look nearly as strong as the Hoosiers or Ducks.

Expect this high-level game to feature plenty of offensive fireworks. Indiana and Oregon will move the football well, and a final score above 50 combined points is the best bet. As for the winner of this game, take Indiana to win it by a field goal or less in a down-to-the-wire instant classic between these two Big Ten programs.