All Indiana’s linebacking corps did against Oregon was make play after play consistently, all game long.
The Hoosier defense stood tall on Saturday in Eugene, Ore. against a talented Ducks offense, and linebackers Aiden Fisher, Isaiah Jones, and Rolijah Hardy anchored that performance. That trio flew around the field at Autzen Stadium, constantly putting themselves in the right position to make plays, and they all finished those plays efficiently.
At least one of Fisher, Jones, and Hardy made a tackle on every Oregon offensive possession, except for one — and that drive saw Jones intercept Ducks quarterback Dante Moore on their first play of the series. The group’s high level of play was a huge reason why No. 7 Indiana pulled off a signature win, 30-20 over No. 3 Oregon on Saturday.
The Hoosiers didn’t have enough players step up and control the games last year in their two marquee losses at Ohio State and Notre Dame. Curt Cignetti, Bryant Haines, and their linebackers knew that had to change.
“I think we got three guys that coach Cig put under pressure. We just needed more dawgs last year,” Fisher said after the game. “And I think we found them.”
Fisher and Hardy tied for the team lead with 13 tackles, and Jones added eight, which tied for second on the team. Hardy and Jones led Indiana with two tackles for loss each. Fisher tied with defensive end Kellan Wyatt to lead the team with 1.5 sacks apiece. Jones also recorded a QB hurry, and made the huge interception that helped the Hoosiers seal the victory.
This linebacking group just stepped up time and time again for Indiana on one of the biggest days in program history.
“There’s not a single moment we don’t trust each other to do our job. And we just feed off each other. One guy makes a tackle, now I gotta go make a tackle to kind of even it up with him,” Fisher said. “Everybody is so confident and playing well off each other. Honestly, I think the confidence is what is just flowing through our room right now. Just three players that are just playing at a high level, confidently.”
Jones has come on particularly strong for the Hoosiers this season.
He entered Saturday tied for 11th in the country and second in the Big Ten with eight TFLs, and he passed Ohio State’s Caden Curry — the previous conference leader — with his two TFLs against Oregon. Jones now has 4.5 sacks, a pass breakup, and a blocked punt to go along with those TFLs.
IU’s linebacker room had some question marks entering the season. Fisher returned, but Jailin Walker’s departure left a void. Hardy and Jones had shown potential in limited opportunities, but some wondered if they’d be able to make up for everything Walker did for the Hoosiers in 2024.
But Indiana’s defense is, perhaps, even better than it was last year. Hardy has continued playing well, and Jones is in the middle of a major breakout campaign. The redshirt junior credited Haines, both his defensive coordinator and position coach, for helping him elevate his game.
“First of all, coach Haines, he’s obviously done a good job,” Jones said. “Being able to practice at all these different positions, learning the defense, being able to be replaceable for either position, that’s really helped me be able to get on the field and kind of make the plays when I get in there.”
The linebacking trio led Indiana’s defense to a strong performance.
IU held the Ducks to 267 yards of offense, their fewest since Dan Lanning took over as head coach ahead of the 2022 season. The Hoosiers significantly locked down Oregon in the second half, allowing only 64 yards after halftime. UO gained just 19 yards in the fourth quarter, sitting at -4 yards until a garbage time possession at the end of the game.
If Indiana’s defense was looking to make a statement, it made a pretty loud and clear one. This unit is one of the best in the country, and Saturday showed why. And IU’s linebacking corps led the way all day.
“They were a really talented and skilled offense. So when you go at a team like that, you have to be able to manipulate angles, you gotta be able to find their weakness — if there is one — and attack it,” Fisher said. “I think we did a great job, and they were really being on their heels today. Just complete attack and buy-in from everybody that we were going to be aggressive.”
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