If Alabama wants to punch its ticket to the College Football Playoff semifinals, it has one job above all: make Fernando Mendoza uncomfortable. And that’s easier said than done.
The Heisman-winning quarterback has been nothing short of spectacular this season, leading Indiana to an undefeated record and a Big Ten title. Mendoza’s stat line tells the story-226 completions on 316 attempts, a 71.5% completion rate, nearly 3,000 yards through the air, 33 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. Add six rushing scores to that, and you’ve got a quarterback who’s been a nightmare for defenses all year long.
Now, Alabama gets its shot at slowing him down in the Rose Bowl on January 1. It’s No.
9 Alabama vs. No.
1 Indiana, with a semifinal berth on the line. But if the Crimson Tide defense doesn’t find a way to disrupt Mendoza’s rhythm, this could get away from them quickly.
Let’s break down why that pressure matters so much.
When Mendoza has a clean pocket, he’s almost automatic. According to Pro Football Focus, he’s completed 76.5% of his passes when kept clean-189 of 247 for 2,400 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just four picks.
That’s elite-level efficiency. He’s calm, decisive, and deadly accurate when he’s not under duress.
But throw some heat his way, and things start to shift. Under pressure, Mendoza’s completion rate drops to 51.4% (37 of 72), with 580 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions.
The interception rate nearly doubles when he’s under pressure-one every 36 attempts, compared to one every 62 when clean. That’s not a massive collapse, but it’s enough of a window for Alabama to exploit-if they can get to him.
And that’s the challenge.
Blitzing sounds like the obvious move, but it’s not a simple fix. Mendoza has actually thrown more touchdowns (19) when blitzed than when not (14), per PFF.
That speaks to his poise and quick decision-making. He doesn’t panic when the extra rusher comes-he capitalizes.
So the key isn’t just bringing heat-it’s bringing smart, efficient pressure. That means Alabama’s front four and edge rushers need to win their matchups.
If the Tide can generate pressure without having to send linebackers or defensive backs on the regular, they’ll be in business. That frees up the rest of the defense to stay in coverage and limit Mendoza’s options.
Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack has his work cut out for him. But the blueprint is there.
Indiana’s closest calls this season all came in games where opposing defenses got after Mendoza. Iowa pressured him 12 times.
Oregon brought 13. Penn State turned up the heat with 18 pressures.
Ohio State had 13. Those are the games where Indiana looked human.
If Alabama wants to add its name to that list-and more importantly, stay alive in the playoff hunt-they’ll need to become the fifth team to hit double-digit pressures against the most efficient quarterback in the country.
It’s a tall task. But if the Tide can disrupt Mendoza’s timing, force him off his spot, and make him feel the heat, they’ll give themselves a real shot to flip the script in Pasadena.