At times this season, Alabama’s offense has looked like a well-oiled machine - stretching the field, mixing in a balanced run-pass attack, and putting together scoring drives that remind you why they’ve been in the College Football Playoff conversation all year. But there have also been stretches where the Crimson Tide looked completely out of sync - none more glaring than the SEC Championship loss to Georgia, or the sluggish start against Oklahoma in the CFP semifinal.
That Oklahoma game felt like it was slipping away early. Down 17-0, Alabama looked flat, lacking rhythm, and struggling to find any sort of offensive identity.
But then came a second-half surge that flipped the script. The Tide came out of the locker room with renewed energy, rattled off 17 unanswered points, and punched their ticket to the Rose Bowl.
It wasn’t just a comeback - it was a reminder of what Alabama’s ceiling looks like when everything clicks.
Now comes the next test: an Indiana defense that’s been one of the stingiest in the country all season. The Hoosiers rank top-five nationally in total defense (257.2 yards per game), rushing defense (77.6 yards per game), and scoring defense (just 10.8 points per game).
Those are elite numbers, and they’re not by accident. Indiana has been disciplined, physical, and fundamentally sound all year.
But they also know what’s coming. Alabama’s offense, when it’s rolling, brings a level of talent and depth that’s tough to match - especially on the perimeter.
“They have a really good quarterback, as we all know,” Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines said. “They’re very, very skilled, and have a lot of depth on the perimeter. Maybe not the absolute top-end guys like Ohio State, but the depth - four, five, six guys that come in and they’re a problem.”
That depth has been a difference-maker all year. Alabama doesn’t just throw one or two weapons at you - they rotate in a full stable of receivers who can stretch the field, win one-on-ones, and make life difficult for any secondary. And when the passing game finds its rhythm, it opens up space for the ground game - which, after a few quiet weeks, came alive in the second half against Oklahoma.
Daniel Hill led that charge, giving the Crimson Tide a much-needed spark on the ground. It wasn’t just about chunk plays - it was about physicality, vision, and versatility. Alabama’s backs showed they could run inside, bounce it outside, and finish runs with authority.
“Their backs are big and they’re not one-trick ponies,” Haines said. “They can run inside zone, duo, downhill - and they can bounce it outside and be successful on the perimeter.
They’re well-coached and adaptable. We saw that in the last game.
Down 17-0, they found a way to will themselves back. That’s execution, that’s scheme, and that’s adaptability.”
That adaptability is going to be key in the Rose Bowl. Indiana’s defense will force Alabama to adjust - and Alabama’s shown they can do just that.
Then there’s Ty Simpson. Earlier this season, he was firmly in the Heisman Trophy conversation.
His play down the stretch cooled off, and Indiana’s own Fernando Mendoza ended up taking home the hardware. But don’t let that late-season dip fool you - Simpson is still a major threat under center.
He hasn’t thrown for more than 300 yards since Alabama’s narrow loss to Oklahoma in November, but his dual-threat ability still makes him dangerous. He’s got the arm to stretch the field and the legs to extend plays, and Indiana’s defense knows they can’t afford to let him get comfortable.
“Yeah, he’s a pretty talented player,” said Indiana linebacker Isaiah Jones. “He throws for nearly 275 a game.
His reads are sharp - he goes from one to two to three to the checkdown really quickly. And then he can run.
He keeps plays alive, and when he does, he can create big plays downfield.”
Jones also pointed out the chess match that’ll unfold pre-snap. Indiana’s going to try to disguise coverages, rotate late, and speed up Simpson’s internal clock. That’s easier said than done, but it’s the kind of tactical approach you need when facing a quarterback who can beat you in multiple ways.
So here we are. Alabama and Indiana, set to square off in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 at 3 p.m.
CT on ESPN. It’s a clash of strengths - Alabama’s explosive offense vs.
Indiana’s disciplined, top-tier defense. If the Tide can build on their second-half performance against Oklahoma, we could be in for something special.
But if Indiana’s defense holds firm, they’ve got a real shot to slow down one of college football’s most talented attacks.