Rose Bowl Preview: Indiana’s Rise, Alabama’s Legacy, and the Weight of Perception
When Alabama takes the field against No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl this Thursday, the scoreboard won’t be the only thing under scrutiny.
The Crimson Tide enters as a touchdown underdog - a rare position for a program that’s long been synonymous with postseason dominance. But this isn’t just about point spreads or betting lines.
It’s about perception, pedigree, and the ever-present tug-of-war between legacy and momentum in college football.
Let’s start with the obvious: Alabama isn’t used to being the underdog, especially not in games of this magnitude. For years, the Tide has been the gold standard - the team you measure yourself against. But the college football landscape is shifting, and Indiana is one of the clearest signs of that change.
Under second-year head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have gone from Big Ten bottom-feeders to a well-oiled, championship-caliber machine. Cignetti, who arrived from James Madison, has done more than just steady the ship - he’s turned Indiana into a force.
The Hoosiers are balanced, disciplined, and dangerous. They rank top-10 nationally in total offense (eighth), total defense (fourth), and special teams (sixth).
That’s not a fluke. That’s a complete football team.
And yet, despite Indiana’s undefeated record and No. 1 overall seed in the College Football Playoff, there’s still a sense that Alabama is getting the benefit of the doubt - a nod to the legacy built by Nick Saban and now carried forward by Kalen DeBoer. If the name on the jersey said “Texas Tech” instead of “Alabama,” there’s a real argument that Indiana would be favored by more than a touchdown. That’s the power of reputation in college football.
The SEC’s influence in the sport is undeniable. It’s not just about wins and losses - it’s about brand recognition, media attention, and decades of dominance.
The Big Ten carries similar weight. Together, they form the “Power 2,” a pair of conferences that shape the narrative and command the lion’s share of attention, revenue, and respect.
That’s not to say programs outside the SEC and Big Ten don’t have talent or resources. Texas Tech, for instance, has the financial muscle to compete in the NIL and revenue-sharing era.
So do schools like Miami, Oregon, and Texas. But resources alone don’t rewrite narratives - results do.
Just ask TCU. The Horned Frogs knocked off Michigan in the 2022 Fiesta Bowl, only to be steamrolled by Georgia in the national title game.
Fair or not, that blowout loss overshadowed the semifinal win. In a sport where perception is everything, one bad night can undo months of good work - especially for teams outside the traditional power structure.
That’s the challenge for programs like Texas Tech, Miami, and others trying to punch their way into the top tier. They need more than just a seat at the playoff table - they need wins.
Big ones. Consistent ones.
The kind that force the sport’s decision-makers and fans alike to rethink what’s possible.
As for Alabama, they’re still very much in the mix. The Tide may not be the favorite this week, but they’re still Alabama - a team with championship DNA and a history of rising to the moment.
DeBoer has the reins now, but the foundation built by Saban still looms large. That kind of pedigree doesn’t disappear overnight.
Indiana, meanwhile, is looking to prove that their rise isn’t a flash in the pan. They’ve earned their spot. Now they want the respect that comes with it.
Thursday’s Rose Bowl isn’t just a playoff semifinal - it’s a clash of eras, styles, and narratives. Legacy vs. momentum.
Tradition vs. transformation. And no matter who wins, the outcome will ripple far beyond Pasadena.