Oregon coach Dan Lanning expressed nerves before Atticus Sappington’s game-winning field goal in the final seconds that lifted the Ducks to a 18-16 victory at Iowa, maintaining their spot in the AP Top 25 after Week 12. This win saved Oregon during a weekend void of major upsets, highlighted by Indiana’s stunning win against Penn State. Fernando Mendoza led the Hoosiers on an 80-yard touchdown drive to clinch the game.
“We conduct pressure kicks in practice to simulate such moments, but nothing compares to the thrill of 70,000 fans during the last second of play with just seven seconds on the clock,” Lanning stated. “Atticus rose to the occasion beautifully.”
Indiana, currently one of three unbeaten teams, managed to overcome a four-point deficit after fourth-quarter touchdowns from Nick Singleton led to Mendoza’s decisive touchdown pass to Omar Cooper. This marks Indiana’s first win ever at Penn State.
Moreover, this week’s AP Top 25 shows Ohio State retaining its leadership with Indiana following in second place. The SEC boasts nine teams in the latest rankings as the playoff committee awaits their next unveiling.
AP Top 25, Week 12:
- Ohio State (54 votes)
- Indiana (11 votes)
- Texas A&M (1 vote)
- Alabama
- Georgia
- Ole Miss
- Oregon
- Texas Tech
- Notre Dame
- Texas
Others receiving votes: Tulane (83), Missouri (59), North Texas (55), Iowa (54), Houston (43), SMU (8), Arizona St (7), San Diego St (5), Illinois (5), UNLV (2), Memphis (1).
