AJ McCarron Sees Alabama as a Dangerous Underdog vs. No. 1 Indiana in CFP Showdown
As the College Football Playoff heads to Pasadena for a high-stakes quarterfinal clash, former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron isn’t buying the underdog narrative surrounding his alma mater. In fact, he likes the Crimson Tide’s chances to knock off top-seeded Indiana at the Rose Bowl - and he’s not shy about saying why.
Speaking on The Dynasty Podcast, McCarron laid out a case that’s less about hype and more about matchups. “I think this is a great matchup for Alabama,” he said.
“Athlete for athlete, Alabama matches up well with them. I think this fits the style they wanna play.”
Let’s unpack that.
The Talent Gap Is Real - And It’s Wide
When you look at the rosters side by side, the disparity in raw talent is hard to ignore. Alabama enters this game with 64 former four- and five-star recruits on its roster.
Indiana? Just seven.
That kind of difference doesn’t guarantee a win, but it does speak volumes about depth, athleticism, and the ability to create mismatches - especially at the skill positions. McCarron believes that’s where Alabama can tilt the field.
And he might be onto something.
Offense Built for Big Plays
The Tide offense has quietly been efficient, averaging 5.7 yards per pass attempt - a notable edge over Indiana’s 5.1. It’s not a massive gap on paper, but in a playoff setting, those half-yards per play add up. Especially when you factor in Alabama’s arsenal of explosive receivers.
Names like Ryan Williams, Germie Bernard, Isaiah Horton, and Lotzeir Brooks may not be household just yet, but they bring big-play potential on every snap. If the Tide can protect the quarterback and give these weapons space to operate, Indiana’s defense could have its hands full.
McCarron: ‘This Is the Best Draw Alabama Could’ve Gotten’
McCarron didn’t just stop at saying Alabama has a chance - he went a step further, calling this the most favorable path the Tide could’ve hoped for.
“I’ve said it since the rankings came out,” McCarron said. “I think Alabama had the best draw out of this deal.
You get by Oklahoma, and then you face Indiana. I understand Indiana’s a great team, a great program.
(Curt) Cignettes does a great job, but I really like this draw.”
It’s a bold take, but it’s rooted in matchup logic. Indiana has earned its No. 1 seed, no question. But stylistically, Alabama’s speed and athleticism could be the kind of X-factor that flips a game like this on its head.
Can Alabama Shock the College Football World?
Right now, the Tide are touchdown underdogs. But if their playmakers show up - and if the defense can keep Indiana from settling into rhythm - McCarron’s prediction might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
There’s a reason they play the games. And if Alabama pulls off the upset in Pasadena, the national conversation will shift fast - with more than a few analysts having to eat their words.
For now, though, McCarron’s confident: Alabama isn’t just in this game. They might be built to win it.