The Ducks are ready for the Peach Bowl... if the offense makes it

The Oregon Ducks have officially advanced to the College Football Playoff semi-final. A feat that last year's veteran and talented team could not achieve is completed by the young, defense-led Ducks of 2025. Now, if Oregon wants to advance to the national championship, the other side of the ball has to make the trip to Atlanta.

A familiar foe awaits the Ducks in the Peach Bowl. Weeks ago, I detailed a path to the national championship that could turn out to be a revenge tour. With the Indiana Hoosiers clinching a spot in the Peach Bowl, the first step has been made. Frankly, this is the path I wanted. Unlike many Ducks fans, I actually wanted to face Indiana again.

That Oct. 11 loss has left a bitter taste in the fan base's mouth, and rightfully so. The Oregon Ducks can beat the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers, ending their undefeated season. That is, of course, if the Ducks' offense we all know and love travels with the rest of the team to Atlanta.

People forget how close the first IU-UO matchup was

At the beginning of the fourth quarter, that game against Indiana was completely up for grabs. After a pick-six touchdown from standout freshman corner Brandon Finney Jr., the score was 20-20. Then, the Ducks burned out and lost. The defense is humming right now, and it will be much more difficult for Indiana to score than it was in October.

However, it is the offense we should be worried about. The Ducks just pitched a shutout against the Red Raiders, but only scored 23 points in the lopsided win. The Red Raiders' defense is elite, no doubt about it. But there were plenty of opportunities to score where the Ducks' offense beat themselves. In the first round of the playoffs, the defense played extremely well until the majority of the starters came out. The offense looked good most of the game, but key mistakes left a lot to be desired.

The Ducks' offense is too good to have two bad games in a row. Dante Moore is a smart, poised leader. Will Stein's play-calling has been questionable at times, but the execution has not been up to par from the players. I have full confidence in the Oregon Ducks and their offensive abilities. Not to beat the dead horse, but Evan Stewart could very likely make his debut in the Peach Bowl.

If the offense just plays to its ability, the Ducks should beat the Hoosiers. With the way the defense played in the Orange Bowl, the Ducks don't need an explosive performance from the other side of the ball. All they need is to limit the mistakes and show up.