The 112th edition of the Rose Bowl isn’t just a historic showdown in Pasadena - it’s a College Football Playoff quarterfinal with serious stakes. And this year, it’s Indiana and Alabama taking center stage in a clash that pits college football’s ultimate blue blood against one of the sport’s most compelling upstarts.
Indiana enters the game as the No. 1 team in the nation, riding the high of a perfect 13-0 season and a Big Ten title win over Ohio State. Alabama, on the other hand, comes in at No. 9 with an 11-3 record, fresh off a 34-24 win over Oklahoma in the opening round. So while the Hoosiers are the favorites, the Crimson Tide - even in a transitional year - are never a team to take lightly.
Quarterback Duel: Mendoza vs. Simpson
This game features two quarterbacks with very different styles but equally important roles. For Alabama, junior Ty Simpson has had a solid campaign, completing 64.1% of his passes for 3,500 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions.
He’s averaging 7.7 yards per attempt with a passer rating of 146.5 and a QBR of 76.6, good for 19th in the country. He’s smart with the football and can make throws at all levels, but he’s not a threat with his legs - and that’s where things could get tricky for Alabama.
The Tide’s offense hasn’t been the explosive unit we’ve come to expect in recent years. They’re averaging just 380.1 yards per game, which ranks 74th nationally, and their ground game has been especially underwhelming - only 109.9 rushing yards per game, 118th in the country. That lack of balance puts a lot on Simpson’s shoulders, and against Indiana’s ferocious pass rush, that’s a tall order.
Indiana’s Defense: Fast, Physical, and Relentless
Indiana’s defense has been one of the most complete units in the country all year. Ranked fourth nationally in total defense and allowing just 257.2 yards per game, they’ve made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.
A big part of that success? Pressure - and lots of it.
The Hoosiers have racked up 39 sacks this season, tied for sixth in the country. It’s a group that doesn’t rely on just one star - it’s a wave of playmakers.
Linebackers Rolijah Hardy and Isaiah Jones have combined for 15 sacks, while interior linemen Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino anchor a front that’s been dominant, even with Stephen Daley sidelined. Expect them to come after Simpson early and often, especially with Alabama’s run game struggling to keep defenses honest.
Strength vs. Strength: Indiana’s Offense Meets Alabama’s Defense
On the flip side, Indiana’s offense has been just as impressive - eighth in the nation in total offense (472.8 yards per game) and 10th in rushing (221.2 yards per game). Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black form a dynamic backfield duo that’s been tough to slow down all season.
But Alabama’s defense is no slouch. Ranked 13th in total defense (288.9 yards per game) and 28th against the run (120.6), the Tide bring plenty of talent to the table.
Defensive linemen LT Overton and Tim Keenan III are disruptive forces up front, while linebackers Justin Jefferson and Yhonzae Pierre fly to the football. Indiana should be able to move the ball, but don’t expect them to hit their season averages - especially on the ground.
That means this game could very well come down to Indiana’s star quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.
Mendoza’s Moment
Mendoza has been sensational all season, and now he gets his biggest stage yet. The Heisman winner heads into the Rose Bowl completing 71.5% of his passes for 2,980 yards, with 33 touchdowns to just six interceptions.
His passer rating? A sparkling 181.4.
His QBR? A national-best 88.7.
And he’s no statue either - he’s added 240 yards and six scores on the ground.
But what makes Mendoza truly special is the way he elevates the players around him. His connection with receivers Omar Cooper Jr. (58 catches, 804 yards, 11 TDs), Elijah Sarratt (51 catches, 687 yards, 12 TDs), and Charlie Becker (26 catches, 515 yards, 2 TDs) gives Indiana one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the country.
Alabama’s secondary has been strong - 10th in the nation, allowing just 168.4 passing yards per game - but it’s a young group. Cornerbacks Zabien Brown and Morgan Red are sophomores, and Dijon Lee is a freshman. That’s a lot of talent, but also a lot of inexperience, especially going up against a veteran quarterback and a polished receiving corps.
The Bottom Line
Indiana is the more balanced team - top-10 in both offense and defense - and they have the best player on the field in Mendoza. Alabama still has the pedigree and plenty of talent, but unless they find a way to generate consistent offense and protect Simpson, they’ll be fighting an uphill battle.
This Rose Bowl has all the makings of a classic. But if Indiana plays to its strengths, this could be the game that cements their rise from underdog to national powerhouse.