Alabama’s Defense Isn’t Chasing Headlines - They’re Chasing a Statement Against Heisman Winner Fernando Mendoza
When Alabama lines up in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 to face Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, don’t expect to see a defense playing with extra emotion just because there’s a Heisman Trophy winner on the other side. That’s not how this Crimson Tide unit operates.
Sure, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the reigning Heisman winner - and for good reason. He’s the engine behind one of the most explosive and efficient offenses in the country, a group that’s putting up 41.9 points and 472.8 yards per game while leading the nation in passing touchdowns.
But Alabama’s defense doesn’t need a trophy to get hyped. Their standard doesn’t change.
“I want to stop quarterbacks whether they won the Heisman Trophy or not,” said Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack. That’s the mindset - every week, every opponent, same intensity.
That said, the Tide knows exactly who they’re up against. Mendoza isn’t just a stat sheet darling.
He’s a field general who rarely makes mistakes. Indiana’s offense has only lost one fumble all season.
Their quarterbacks have combined for just seven interceptions. That kind of ball security is elite, and Alabama’s defenders are well aware.
“Heisman winner, definitely the best quarterback we have faced all year,” said cornerback Zabien Brown. “Can put the ball anywhere on the field. It just puts stress on us.”
Brown’s not exaggerating. Mendoza has shown he can make every throw, and he does it with precision and poise. But here’s the thing - he hasn’t faced Alabama’s defense yet.
This is a unit that thrives on disruption. The Tide has forced nine fumbles and picked off 11 passes this season. They don’t just play defense - they hunt the football.
“He’s a really good player, whether he won the Heisman or not,” said safety Keon Sabb. “We’re still going to go out there and play hard. Congrats to him on winning that, but we’ll play our game.”
That game, according to Wommack, is built on a foundation of consistency and discipline. It’s not about creating a new plan for Mendoza - it’s about executing the one that’s worked all year. That means taking away throwing windows, tightening coverage, and bringing pressure that forces quick decisions - and, ideally, mistakes.
“We’re fired up every week to do our job, most definitely, as a defense,” said linebacker Yhonzae Pierre. “We’re just trying to be as disciplined as possible, you know what I’m saying, to stop him, stop the run, stop the pass and shut them out for sure.”
Shutting out Indiana won’t be easy. The Hoosiers have been one of the cleanest offensive teams in the country.
But Alabama’s defense is built for moments like this. They’re top-20 nationally in turnover margin, and only Maryland has brought a better margin to the field against Indiana this season.
For Wommack, this is the kind of stage Alabama lives for - a College Football Playoff game in the Rose Bowl, with the whole country watching. It’s a “big moment,” as he put it. But it’s also just another challenge for a defense that’s already been through the fire.
Zabien Brown put it best when asked about forcing turnovers against a team that’s been stingy with the football.
“It’s a gut feeling, you know,” he said. “Just got a little spidey sense. But it’s really just trust, being able to pull the trigger.”
That instinct - that trust - is what Alabama’s defense is banking on when they take the field in Pasadena. Mendoza might be the Heisman winner, but the Crimson Tide believes they’ve got the formula to flip the script.
Kickoff is set for 3:10 p.m. PT on Thursday, Jan.
- The Rose Bowl is ready.
So is Alabama’s defense.