With four games now in the rear view, it only gets more intense from here, as eight teams remain, all gunning for the top. Two of those teams clash in the world-famous Rose Bowl, “The Granddaddy of Them All.” It returns for its 111th straight time, once again the site of the College Football Playoff’s quarterfinals. This year’s matchup pits the ninth-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide against the number one-seeded Indiana Hoosiers. This is the Tides’ ninth time playing for the Rose Bowl, last appearing in 2023, losing to Michigan in overtime. For Indiana, it is their second time participating, having only ever played in 1968, losing to USC. Now decades later, Indiana returns to Pasadena to finish what “The Cardiac Kids” started. Here’s the preview for the Rose Bowl between No. 9 Alabama and No.1 Indiana.
Rose Bowl; Alabama vs. Indiana
No Better Time than Now
In the century-long history of both programs, Indiana and Alabama have never matched up. Still, there is some familiarity. Alabama Head Coach Kalen DeBoer once worked in Bloomington as the offensive coordinator in 2019. In his one year, he helped the Hoosiers go 8-5, their best record since 1993. Years later, DeBoer became Washington’s head coach, where he recruited Indiana’s quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who would later become a Heisman runner-up for the Huskies.
Indiana’s head coach, Curt Cignetti, has his own connection to Alabama, having worked under Nick Saban from 2007 to 2011. There, he worked as the wide receiver coach, helping the Tide win two BCS National Championships, including a 14-0 season. He would also help produce talents like Julio Jones. Both of these coaches have these schools to thank for jump-starting their careers, but now they both look to create history for their new schools.
Quarterbacks in Play
This matchup features two highly touted quarterbacks, both of whom have taken different paths. Alabama’s quarterback, Ty Simpson, has been in Tuscaloosa since 2021 as a five-star recruit. He was a backup for three years under Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe. As a first-year starter, he has gone 11-3, throwing for 3,500 yards, which is sixth in the nation, and 28 touchdowns. Now, he has the chance to avenge the 2023 Alabama team by leading this year’s team to a Rose Bowl win.
On the other side, Indiana’s quarterback, Fernado Mendoza, has been this year’s golden boy, bringing home the Heisman Trophy. A three-star in 2022, he started his career in Burkley. In two years at Cal, he threw for 30 touchdowns. This season he transferred to Bloomington, where he has thrown for 33 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards. Mendoza led the Hoosiers to a program record 13-0, winning their first Big Ten Championship Game. A week later, he became Indiana’s first Heisman Trophy winner, being coined the name “Heismandoza.”
A matchup of two NFL-ready quarterbacks makes this year’s Rose Bowl the most intriguing in years.
The Hoosiers’ Shifty Rushing Attack and Passing Consistency
Indiana has found its identity this season on the ground, rushing for over 220 yards a game. A running back tandem of Maryland transfer Roman Hemby and sixth-year senior Kalelon Black has helped the Hoosiers rush for over 2,870 yards. Both of them and third-string running back Khobie Martin have found the end zone 19 times total. On top of that, Mendoza has found the end zone six times on the ground.
Along with the ground game, Indiana has averaged 255 yards a game through the air. Receivers Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. have led the way for the Hoosiers’ receiving room, having 23 touchdowns. With a consistent offense on both levels, Alabama will have to slow down Indiana’s rushing and passing game.
Key to the Game
Which Wide Receiver 3 Will Make the Bigger Difference
In Indiana and Alabama’s last game, their wide receiver number three changed the game. Against Ohio State, Indiana lost Omar Cooper to an early injury. This allowed Charlie Becker the opportunity to take over. He would go for 126 yards, including a 33-yard catch on third down, sealing the game.
In Alabama’s last game, they couldn’t orchestrate any offense early. That was until the Tide’s wide receiver, Lotzeir Brooks, converted a fourth down, spinning into the end zone. He would find the end zone again in the second half, giving Alabama its first lead. These two scores were his first two of the season and his career. Becker and Brooks were the heroes of their last game, so can one of them do it again on the biggest stage?
Key Players
Zabien Brown, CB Alabama
The sophomore corner from sunny California has been an instant spark plug for the Crimson Tides’ secondary since day one. Brown, in two years, has racked up five interceptions, including two pick-sixes this year. Both of these pick-sixes, one of which was against Oklahoma in round one, came in the final seconds of the first half, swinging the momentum of the game. If Brown can create another monumental moment and shift the game early, the Tide can run away with this game.
Isaiah Jones, Rolijah Hardy, and Aiden Fisher, LBs, Indiana
The trio across the second level has made the Hoosiers one of the top defenses in the nation. Currently, Indiana is second in points allowed and fourth in yards allowed this season. Jones, Hardy, and Fisher have 228 total tackles combined, along with 17.5 sacks. In the Big Ten Championship, Hardy and Jones sacked Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin three times combined. Now they look to do the same to Simpson, and if they create just as much pressure on him, Indiana will walk away on top.
After great seasons for Alabama and Indiana, only one can take home a victory in the Rose Bowl and move on to the Peach Bowl. Personally, I expect a close game in the low 20s, ultimately won by the Hoosiers.
How to Watch
Day/Date: Thursday, January 1st
Time: 4:00 PM ET
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA
TV: ESPN
