The CFP semifinals are almost here, and every remaining team is chasing the coveted title. But that didn’t stop Oregon quarterback Dante Moore from surprising many when he shared a wholesome take on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza ahead of the Peach Bowl. Moore showed class with his respectful comments, earning praise from the Hoosiers’ faithful.

“He’s somebody that works his tail off and plays as a very smart quarterback,” Moore said in the pre-game press conference. “The biggest thing I take away from him is that he gives glory to God through his success and accolades. I appreciate that. I respect him.”

Both Oregon and Indiana are entering the matchup after comfortable quarterfinal wins over Texas Tech and Alabama. The semifinal clash has become more intriguing because neither team faced real pressure in the previous round. The unbeaten 14-0 Hoosiers have already played the Ducks earlier this season, and Indiana won 30-20 at Autzen Stadium. And that history adds another layer to the Peach Bowl showdown.

Fernando Mendoza demonstrated why he earned selection as the Heisman Trophy recipient by leading Indiana to a 38-3 win against Alabama. He delivered an impressive display and completed 87.5 percent of his passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns. The game also ranked as his second-best performance in terms of QBR, highlighting his ability to rise when the team needed him most.

On the other side, Dante Moore has also been keeping up. He has spearheaded the Ducks’ offense this season and recorded a 72.9 percent completion rate for 3,280 yards and 28 touchdowns. Both quarterbacks now battle for a place in the CFP finals and the opportunity to script history. Indiana remains the favorites to advance, and the Hoosiers have already shown confidence after beating Oregon earlier in the year.

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However, even with the odds against his side, Moore remains confident going into the matchup.

Dante Moore excited, looking forward to the Indiana rematch

The Ducks did not enjoy the first bout between the two teams. Dante Moore, however, insists that the game served as a learning chapter and will prove useful for Oregon in the CFP semifinal matchup. He described his pre-game thoughts while speaking to the press in Eugene.

“I was too fast on progressions. There were some times when it was open guy. And I mean, you can say I was too fast in my progressions. There were some times when it was an open guy. I mean, you can say I was kind of seeing ghosts out there. It was more just trying to get through my progressions too fast.” Moore told the press. “Another thing, too, is when I climbed to the pocket, I was trying to rush and get out. There were some times when I can climb to the pocket and there was no need for me to move.

Indiana’s, a great, competitive team, and we’re just ready to go out there and play football. It’s 11 vs 11 at the end of the day, and we’re excited for it.”

The Hoosiers come in as 4-point favorites for the highly anticipated Mercedes-Benz Stadium matchup in Atlanta.