Heading into the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, Alabama finds itself in a spot it doesn’t often occupy-written off by most of the college football world. The Crimson Tide are no strangers to the underdog role this season; they wore that label against both Georgia and Oklahoma, and still came out on top.
But this matchup against No. 1 Indiana feels different.
The noise outside Tuscaloosa is louder now, and it’s mostly doubting them.
One of the latest voices adding to that chorus is former NFL offensive lineman and current Fox Sports analyst Geoff Schwartz, who didn’t mince words when assessing Alabama’s chances against Indiana’s explosive offense. His main concern? Alabama’s pass rush-or what he believes is a lack thereof.
“Bama can’t rush the passer,” Schwartz said. “It’s a big problem.
They can’t hit the passer. That doesn’t fare well against Indiana’s offense. ...
If you let them do what they want-RPO game, play-action pass, with those wide receivers-they’re hard to cover.”
Now, Schwartz is right about one thing: Indiana’s offense is a problem. Fernando Mendoza has been lights out this season, operating with poise and precision in an offense that thrives on tempo, spacing, and timing.
Their RPO and play-action game is deadly when Mendoza gets into rhythm. But the idea that Alabama can’t affect the quarterback?
That deserves a closer look.
Let’s start with the numbers. Alabama ranks 9th in Bill Connelly’s defensive SP+ metric, 15th nationally in both total defense and passing defense.
That’s not the profile of a defense that can’t get stops. And when it comes to generating pressure?
According to Game on Paper, Alabama sits in the 87th percentile nationally in havoc rate-a stat that measures disruptive plays like tackles for loss, pass breakups, and, yes, quarterback pressures.
So what’s really going on here? It’s more about scheme than capability.
Under defensive coordinator Kane Wommack, Alabama has leaned on a bend-but-don’t-break philosophy for much of the season. That’s meant fewer blitzes and more zone coverage, relying on the front four to generate pressure while keeping everything in front. It’s a calculated approach-one that trades aggression for discipline and has largely paid off.
But when the situation demands it, Wommack isn’t afraid to turn up the heat.
Look no further than Alabama’s semifinal win over Oklahoma. Early on, the Sooners were finding success against Alabama’s base looks.
John Mateer was comfortable, efficient, and moving the ball. Then came the adjustment.
Wommack dialed up the pressure, and the game flipped. Alabama sacked Mateer five times and racked up 19 total quarterback pressures.
After scoring 17 points on their first four possessions, Oklahoma managed just seven the rest of the way.
That’s not a defense that “can’t rush the passer.” That’s a defense that knows when to pick its spots-and when to unleash the dogs.
And now, Alabama gets a boost. LT Overton, one of their most dynamic edge rushers, is expected back for the Rose Bowl.
His return gives Wommack another weapon to throw at Mendoza, and don’t be surprised if Alabama comes out with a more aggressive game plan from the jump. They know what they’re up against.
Mendoza is a Heisman winner for a reason, and if he’s allowed to settle in, Indiana’s offense can snowball in a hurry.
But if Alabama can disrupt the timing, get Mendoza off his spot, and force the Hoosiers into third-and-long situations, things could get interesting fast.
This game is shaping up to be a battle of styles-Indiana’s high-octane offense versus Alabama’s measured, adaptable defense. The Crimson Tide may be underdogs in the eyes of most, but they’ve been here before. And if recent history is any indication, they’re not showing up to Pasadena just to play spoiler-they’re coming to win.
So while the outside noise says Alabama doesn’t have a shot, don’t be so quick to count them out. This defense has more bite than it’s getting credit for, and come New Year’s Day, it might just remind everyone why you never sleep on the Tide.