The No. 3 Oregon Ducks entered Autzen Stadium like Muhammad Ali, undefeated, untouchable, and confident. Their 18-game home streak shone like Ali’s record before facing Joe Frazier. On October 11, No. 7 Indiana landed the left hook that nobody saw coming. Oregon’s offensive line protection faltered first, like Ali’s first knockdown in the Fight of the Century. Their rushing attack fell next, barely a yard in the second half. Two fourth-quarter interceptions sealed the upset, just as Frazier’s barrage ended Ali’s unbeaten run.

David Pollack looked into the manner in which the Ducks lost and one glaring issue that Curt Cignetti exploited. On See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack, the analyst gave props to the Hoosiers for how they fought the game. “They were more physical than Oregon. They were better on the line of scrimmage than Oregon. I didn’t think they’d hold up. I thought Oregon would be able to run the football, but they were absolutely able to hold up.”

It is sort of a cliché that the football games are won and lost on the line of scrimmage. But it doesn’t mean it’s false. Indiana won the line of scrimmage, and more importantly, they got to Dante Moore, who was in Heisman conversations before the matchup.

Pollack added, “They [Indiana] did a really good job protecting their quarterback and affecting Dante Moore. Dante Moore was sacked one time coming into this game. You want to know how good Indiana’s defense is? Indiana got him six times. Dante Moore had one pick coming into this game. Dante Moore had two picks in this game.” 

Indiana’s defense assaulted Oregon’s offensive line continuously, scoring six sacks and four hurries on Dante Moore compared to one allowed all season. Oregon managed only 81 rushing yards on 30 carries and produced just one yard in the second half alone. Indiana ran for 111 yards, with Roman Hemby’s 70-yard, 2-touchdown performance dominating the trenches. They controlled possession for the majority of the game, limiting Oregon’s offensive opportunities. The Ducks struggled badly in their third-down conversions as well, surrendering advantage and shifting momentum.

But for Dan Lanning, the review of the game will focus on just one issue. The QB protection. Pollack continued, “Oregon couldn’t find a way to get it going because they couldn’t protect their quarterback. Like that was their big issue. And Oregon’s stock now and their resume that you look at, like we kind of said with Penn State, like that’s a great game, a great barometer going across the country.”

With the win, Indiana raised its stock. Even their biggest detractors are now calling them a championship-caliber team. Paul Finebaum still thinks Cignetti is unlikeable, but even he is impressed with the job the Hoosiers’ head coach has done. It’s one thing to defeat Illinois at home. But travel to Autzen and take on the mighty Ducks? Indiana are right there in those natty conversations with Miami and Ohio State.

On his part, Dan Lanning gave full credit to Indiana for implementing their game plan. “They played a better game than us; they were better coached than us today. And our guys recognize that every one of our goals is still in front of us and an opportunity to attack.”

At the end of the day, it’s just one loss. Oregon can still go 11-1. However, we said the same about Penn State after they lost to Oregon.

What lies ahead for Oregon and Dan Lanning

Oregon faces a difficult five-game Big Ten challenge after the Indiana loss, starting Oct. 18 at Rutgers and ending Nov. 29 at Washington. The Ducks must survive hostile environments at SHI Stadium and Kinnick Stadium before returning home for a crucial game at Autzen Stadium.​ Dan Lanning would look to strengthen his offensive line before they come back at home.

Their lone nonconference power opponent, No. 20 Wisconsin, visits on Oct. 25, bringing a top-25 rush defense that allows just 102 yards per game. On Nov. 8, Oregon travels to face a potent Iowa ground attack that averages 200 rushing yards weekly.​

The Ducks then host Minnesota on Nov. 14, an opportunistic team forcing 1.7 turnovers per contest, before back-to-back tests: USC’s explosive offense on Nov. 22 and Washington’s high-powered passing game on Nov. 29. These game would act as the steps on which they climb their way up to a potential conference and national championship.