College Football Week 7: Indiana Stuns Oregon as Chaos Hits the Power 5

College football’s new world — filled with NIL money, constant transfers, and nonstop realignment — keeps testing how much tradition still matters. But this weekend proved that no matter how much the game changes, the drama remains the same.

The headline shocker? Indiana 30, No. 3 Oregon 20.The Hoosiers, long overlooked in Big Ten country, took down one of college football’s newest heavyweights in a performance that sent shockwaves across the nation. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for 265 yards and a touchdown, while wideout Elijah Sarratt dominated with eight receptions for 121 yards. On defense, Noah Pierre and Jameer Johnson each picked off Oregon’s star QB Dante Moore, who struggled to find rhythm all night.

Coach Curt Cignetti’s impact is undeniable — in just one season, he’s turned Indiana from an afterthought into a genuine Big Ten contender.“We’re not here to be a story for one weekend,” Mendoza said postgame. “We’re here to compete with the best.”

Elsewhere across the Power 5, the results were just as wild.Ohio State handled Illinois 34-16 to stay in the playoff mix, while Michigan fell flat against USC, a loss that left fans questioning whether their offense can handle elite competition. Penn State, meanwhile, dropped its third straight — a 27-24 heartbreaker to Northwestern — a stunning fall from preseason playoff talk to midseason crisis.

Down in the SEC, Alabama continued its steady resurgence, beating Missouri 27-24 thanks to the calm leadership of QB Ty Simpson. Meanwhile, Florida State lost its third straight game, this time to Pitt, and now looks miles away from the powerhouse they were projected to be in August.

Out west, UCLA crushed Michigan State 38-13 under interim coach Tim Skipper, while Colorado and Deion Sanders beat No. 22 Iowa State — only to face a $50,000 fine for the fans storming the field. The Buffs, however, don’t seem to care.

Among the Group of Five, USF dismantled North Texas 63-36, while UNLV improved to 6-0 in a 51-48 thriller over Air Force, staying undefeated under Dan Mullen.

And the Heisman race? It’s more open than ever:

1. Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) — The breakout star leading a Cinderella run.

2. Ty Simpson (Alabama) — Steady, smart, and climbing each week.

3. Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) — Dominant defender still keeping the ‘Canes in games.

4. Brendan Sorsby (Cincinnati) — Silently consistent in the Big 12.

5. CJ Carr (Notre Dame) — A freshman phenom playing beyond his years.
   

As we hit the season’s midpoint, one thing is clear: Indiana’s upset isn’t just a lucky win — it’s a statement.  The Hoosiers might not have the flashiest recruits or biggest budget, but right now, they’ve got the nation’s attention.

For the first time in a long time, Bloomington feels like the center of the college football universe.