The College Football Playoff Quarterfinal is finally here. Today, the legendary Rose Bowl Game hosts an unprecedented matchup. The undefeated No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers battle the historic No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide. This game features a stunning role reversal; Alabama is a clear seven-point underdog. The Crimson Tide are embracing their unfamiliar status.
Alabama finds itself in a highly unusual position. They are clearly the underdog against the Hoosiers. For years, the Crimson Tide was college football’s unquestioned Goliath. However, they are leveraging this new narrative for motivation. Safety Bray Hubbard noted how the team thrives on proving “everybody” wrong. This underdog mentality fuels their approach to the game.
Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, spearheads Indiana’s meteoric rise. Fernando Mendoza, a transfer from California, has guided the Hoosiers to an impeccable 13-0 record. His exceptional talent has created an elite, balanced offense. The Hoosiers are playing in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1968. Winning this game would validate their historic season. Mendoza himself emphasized the need to win the Rose Bowl to achieve their national title goal.
The long-anticipated threat of rain has materialized in Pasadena. Weather officials predict a rare, potentially significant rainfall during the game. This adverse weather elevates the importance of the running game for both teams.
Alabama’s run game has struggled this season, ranking poorly nationally. Therefore, the Crimson Tide needs a breakthrough performance from running back Jam Miller. Indiana, conversely, boasts one of the nation’s best rushing attacks. The ability to control the soggy line of scrimmage will define the winner. Coach Curt Cignetti, however, doesn’t foresee rain as a critical factor.
For Alabama to achieve the upset, defensive coordinator Kane Wommack must disrupt the Hoosiers’ flawless execution. Indiana’s offense ranks nationally in efficiency and discipline. The Hoosiers lead the country in a crucial metric: third-down conversion rate.
Alabama’s defense must generate pressure on Mendoza and force turnovers. Conversely, Indiana must maintain its defensive strength. The Hoosiers lead the FBS in sacks and takeaways. Their star edge rusher, Stephen Daley, is a major loss due to injury. Both teams must prioritize finishing drives in the red zone.
This CFP quarterfinal features a fascinating coaching reunion. Indiana’s Curt Cignetti was Alabama’s wide receivers coach during a past championship run. Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer served as Indiana’s offensive coordinator in 2019. Despite the personal history, Cignetti has voiced concerns. He was “not loving” Indiana’s early practice preparation in California. This public admission adds urgency to the Hoosiers’ final adjustments.
The winner will advance to face either Oregon or Texas Tech in the CFP semifinals.
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