Sportsvival paid tribute to Indiana’s shocker over Oregon by selecting both an offensive and defensive standout from the Hoosiers as this week’s Impact HVAC Players of the Week. Indiana’s balanced attack and physical front seven delivered the signature upset, so we’re naming co-players of the week — one on offense and one on defense — to honor that complete performance.
Co-Players of the Week
Elijah Sarratt — WR, Indiana Line: 8 receptions; 121 yards; 1 touchdown. Sarratt was the chain-moving, explosive-play receiver Indiana needed. He consistently found soft spots in Oregon’s coverage, converting third downs and flipping field position with a blend of contested-catch ability and after-the-catch yards. His touchdown and intermediate chunk plays forced Oregon to account for him across the formation, opening lanes for the run game and play-action.
Aiden Fisher — LB, Indiana Line: 13 tackles; 1.5 sacks. Fisher controlled the middle of the field and set the physical tone on defense. He was involved sideline-to-sideline, diagnosing plays quickly and wrapping up runners cleanly. His pressure on the edge and two third-down stops helped derail several Oregon drives and kept momentum in Indiana’s favor throughout the second half.
Why they won
Complementary impact: Sarratt’s ability to sustain drives and force Oregon to respect the intermediate passing game paired directly with Fisher’s run-stopping and late-game pressure. That two-way influence is exactly the kind of complete team-tilting performance the Impact HVAC award recognizes.
Game-changing moments: Sarratt’s touchdown came on a drive that erased field-position deficits and swung momentum; Fisher’s tackles for loss and timely pressures turned promising Oregon possessions into punts or short-yardage situations.
Scouting takeaway: Sarratt profiles as a polished route-runner with reliable hands and YAC instincts; he’ll draw heavier coverage next week but has already shown the instincts to create separation. Fisher looks like a thumper linebacker with sideline range and pass-rush potential from off-the-ball pressures, a player who can be productive in multiple front schemes.
Finalists who just missed the award
David Bailey — LB, Texas Tech: 6 tackles; 3 sacks; 1 forced fumble; 1 fumble recovery.
King Miller — RB, USC: 18 carries; 158 yards; 1 touchdown.
Cameron Dickey — RB, Texas Tech: 21 carries; 263 yards; 2 touchdowns.
Bishop Fitzgerald — S, USC: 4 tackles; 1 sack; 2 interceptions.
Desmond Reid — RB, Pitt: 12 carries for 45 yards; 8 receptions for 155 yards; 2 touchdowns.
Each of these performances carried serious merit — dominant rushing outputs, backbreaking turnovers, and explosive receiving lines — but the combination of offensive and defensive game control shown by Sarratt and Fisher tipped the scales for this week’s co-award.
(photo courtesy of the Daily Hoosier)