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Indiana football fans flood Atlanta as Hoosiers reach CFP national championship
Summary
Indiana supporters heavily outnumbered Oregon fans at the Peach Bowl semifinal in Atlanta, and Indiana's 56-22 win advanced the Hoosiers to the College Football Playoff national championship.
Content
Indiana fans were highly visible across Atlanta in the days around the Peach Bowl, appearing in hotels, restaurants and local bars. They packed Gibney's Pub the night before the game and created a dominant presence inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium. Indiana outnumbered Oregon fans by roughly 4-to-1 as the Hoosiers won 56-22 to reach the College Football Playoff national championship. The team had even practiced a silent count earlier in the week in case opposing crowd noise became a factor.
Key details:
- Indiana fans filled multiple venues in Atlanta and were described as overwhelming Oregon support at the semifinal.
- D'Angelo Ponds returned an interception 11 seconds into the Peach Bowl to give Indiana a 7-0 lead; Oregon quarterback Dante Moore finished the game with three turnovers.
- The article notes Indiana claims the largest living alumni base at more than 800,000 worldwide.
- Coach Curt Cignetti and Heisman Trophy–winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza are cited as central to the program's recent success and increased fan enthusiasm.
- Travel costs have been significant for fans who followed the team, and third-party resale prices for some national championship tickets were reported near $2,700.
Summary:
The Hoosiers' playoff run has mobilized a broad and travel-ready fanbase that filled venues from the Rose Bowl to Atlanta and appeared to influence game atmosphere during the Peach Bowl. Indiana now advances to the College Football Playoff national championship in Miami, where the matchup will take place at Hard Rock Stadium and feature Miami's program and coach Mario Cristobal.
