The Indiana Hoosiers enter week 7 with a perfect 5-0 record under coach Curt Cignetti. They boast one of the best attacks in the nation, averaging 47.8 points a game. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza has had a stellar season, posting a 197.8 passer rating. Roman Hembry leads the ground game with 351 rushing yards per game. Although Oregon leads the head-to-head 2-1, Indiana claimed victory the last time these two met. Yet they enter the contest as underdogs in Autzen Stadium against the unbeaten Ducks. Both are raring to go as they each come off a bye week. 

The Oregon Ducks not only come off a morale-boosting (30-24) win against Penn State, all while tackling the notorious Whiteout. But now back at home, they look eager to end the Hoosiers’ unbeaten run and take the top spot in the conference. Oregon looks extremely dangerous under Coach Dan Lanning. Dante Moore has led the charge with a 74.6 % passing percentage and 1200 passing yards.

The clash is scheduled at 3:30 PM ET on Saturday, October 11th, in Autzen Stadium and promises to be a nailbiter as two of the top 3 teams of the Big Ten Conference face each other. It’ll be live on CBS and streaming via the CBS Sports app and Paramount+ Premium. 

CBS brings out its A team for coverage of this Big Ten marquee contest. Brad Nessler will handle the play-by-play duties, Gary Danielson provides color commentary alongside him, and Jenny Dell completes the lineup with sideline reporting.

Brad Nessler brings his decades of experience in covering high-stakes games. After stints at ESPN, ABC’s college football coverage, and NFL Network, he came back to CBS in 2016. Since then, his precise and dramatic style of narration has made watching the game an elevated experience. His experience resonates in his commentary, also bringing in nostalgia and numbers. He makes each play special.

Gary Danielson, the former Purdue Quarterback, has become a permanent fixture at the CBS college football booth over the years. The experience from his Playing days helps him break down complex plays, making it easier for the viewers to make sense of them. Sadly, this would be his last season, as he retires after 36 long years of broadcasting. It adds a sentimental note to it, as it’ll be one of the last times we get to hear him on live television.

Jenny Dell is a former NESN reporter and the #2 NFL sideline reporter for CBS. Now she’s covering college football as the lead reporter for CBS. She holds a degree in sports management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Battle of unbeaten Big Ten powers

This Saturday’s Showdown features two unbeaten (5-0) Big Ten teams with high chances of making it to the playoffs. Oregon is a 7-point favorite on its home turf, with a loud crowd on its back. The Ducks would like to press their early advantage, pushing the Hoosiers’ defense to respect both rush and pass. They would bank on their reliable QB Dante Moore, as he is enjoying a stellar campaign under Dan Lanning.

Moore has a 74.6% completion rate with just one interception so far. However, Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers have proven strong on the road as they come off a 20-15 narrow win over Iowa in week 5. Indiana’s defense has proven ever so reliable, led by its Linebackers excelling in open-field tackles.

At the end of the day, it will boil down to Indiana’s ability to convert third downs against a resolute Oregon defense that has proven ever so reliable in stopping them. They have let in just 27% of third-down conversions. Turnover margin will also play a big role, as it’s something Indiana has excelled at. Even the special teams will have their role cut out as the Ducks’ Kicker, Atticus Sappington, boasts a 75% conversion rate on field goals.