Alabama is heading to the Rose Bowl, and while the Crimson Tide faithful are celebrating a hard-fought 34-24 win over Oklahoma in the College Football Playoff, not everyone is convinced this team has what it takes to keep the momentum going.
After the win in Norman, CBS Sports analyst Richard Johnson stirred the pot with a bold take: he doesn’t see any reason why Indiana won’t take down Alabama in the Rose Bowl. In his words, this Alabama squad “is not the vintage Alabama team that you’re used to.”
That’s the kind of comment that doesn’t just ruffle feathers - it sends shockwaves through a fanbase known for its passion and pride. And let’s just say, Tide fans didn’t take it lightly.
Social media lit up almost immediately. Alabama supporters pushed back hard, many of them pointing to Indiana’s offensive struggles against Ohio State as a reason to slow the hype.
One fan quipped, “Indiana only scored 13 on Ohio State,” brushing off the idea that the Hoosiers are a lock. Others were more direct, accusing critics of piling on Alabama with what they see as unwarranted disrespect.
“You guys are unbelievable, the absolute hate you have for Alabama is unbelievable,” one user wrote. Another predicted a blowout: “They will and it will be by 17+.”
But perhaps the most telling response came from a fan who suggested that this kind of criticism might be exactly what Alabama needs. “Bama fans just sitting here smiling and taking receipts!
Everyone in the country wanted Bama to lose tonight and that may have woken up a sleeping giant! If this offense is playing well along with the defense we have there’s NOBODY Bama can’t beat.
RMFT.”
That’s the mindset of a fanbase used to dominance - and one that’s not ready to give up its seat at the table.
Now, let’s talk about the matchup itself. Alabama and Indiana have never faced off in over 130 years of football history. That changes in Pasadena, where the Rose Bowl will host a clash of tradition and transformation.
Indiana comes in as the No. 1 seed and the betting favorite - a rare position for a program that’s only making its second-ever trip to the Rose Bowl. But there’s a deeper connection between these two teams than just this upcoming game.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti spent several formative years under Nick Saban at Alabama from 2007 to 2011, helping build the foundation of the Crimson Tide dynasty. On the flip side, Alabama’s current head coach Kalen DeBoer once served as Indiana’s offensive coordinator under Tom Allen in 2019 before launching his own head coaching career at Fresno State.
So yes, there’s history - just not the kind that shows up in the box score.
As for the “vintage Alabama” comment? It’s true that this year’s team doesn’t have the same aura of invincibility we’ve seen in past seasons.
But they’re still Alabama. They’re still loaded with talent, and they’ve shown they can win in tough environments.
That win over Oklahoma wasn’t perfect, but it was gritty. It was composed.
And it was enough to earn a shot at the Rose Bowl.
Indiana might be the favorite, but if there’s one thing college football has taught us, it’s that counting out Alabama - especially in December - is a risky move.