When No. 1 Indiana takes the field against No.
9 Alabama in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, it’ll be a classic strength-on-strength showdown - Indiana’s elite defense facing off against Alabama’s high-powered, pass-heavy offense. On paper, it’s a matchup that could define the game’s tempo from the opening snap.
Let’s break down what to watch for when the Crimson Tide has the ball.
Scoring Battle: Crimson Tide Firepower vs. Hoosier Resistance
Alabama enters the Rose Bowl averaging 31.4 points per game, good for 33rd nationally. But that number dips to 22.2 when you remove their two non-Power 4 matchups - a clearer picture of how they’ve fared against top-tier competition.
Indiana, meanwhile, has been a defensive fortress all season. The Hoosiers allow just 10.8 points per game - second-best in the country - and only 11.8 against Power 4 opponents.
So, something’s got to give. Alabama’s offense has leaned heavily on the pass this year, dialing up 590 passing plays to just 386 runs - a 60/40 split.
Even in games where they leaned more on the ground (like against non-Power 4 teams), the passing game has been the core of their identity. And while the Tide have been careful with the football (just 12 turnovers in 14 games), Indiana’s defense thrives on disruption - they’ve forced 25 turnovers, tied for eighth-most in the nation.
The Run Game: A Clear Advantage for Indiana
This part of the matchup is lopsided - and not in Alabama’s favor.
The Crimson Tide rank 120th in the country in rushing yards per game at 109.9. Against Power 4 teams, that number drops to just 88.2.
Over their last two games, Alabama has managed just 25 rushing yards total (including sacks). They’ve been held under 100 yards rushing in half of their games this season.
Indiana’s run defense is the real deal. The Hoosiers rank third nationally, giving up just 77.3 yards per game.
That number improves to 66.3 against Power 4 opponents. Only two teams - Old Dominion and Penn State - have cracked the 100-yard mark against them.
And even that’s misleading: 153 of the 1,009 rushing yards IU surrendered all season came on just two plays in the season opener.
Simply put, Alabama’s going to have a hard time establishing the run against this front.
Passing Game: Alabama’s Bread and Butter
This is where Alabama can do damage - and where the game will likely be decided.
The Tide average 270.2 passing yards per game, ranking 23rd nationally. They’ve topped 300 yards through the air in four games and have thrown 32 touchdown passes to just five interceptions.
The ball distribution is impressive: five players have at least 33 receptions, and 10 different players have caught 11 or more passes. That includes tight ends and running backs, showcasing just how deep and versatile this passing attack is.
Indiana’s pass defense is no pushover. The Hoosiers rank 18th nationally, allowing just 179.5 yards per game.
They haven’t allowed a single 300-yard passing game all season, and only five teams have even crossed the 200-yard mark. Often, those yards came in second halves when Indiana had big leads and opponents were forced to abandon the run.
The Hoosiers have 17 interceptions and have only allowed seven passing touchdowns all year.
Where Alabama might be vulnerable is in pass protection. They’ve allowed 29 sacks this season - 99th nationally.
Indiana, meanwhile, is tied for sixth in the country with 39 sacks. The Hoosiers have been relentless in generating pressure, with 251 QB pressures on the year.
The catch? They’ll be without two of their top edge rushers, Stephen Daley and Kellan Wyatt - and Alabama’s biggest pass-blocking issues have come off the edge.
That’s a critical wrinkle to watch.
Quarterback Play: Ty Simpson’s Time
Ty Simpson has grown into his role as Alabama’s full-time starter this season. The redshirt junior has completed 64.1% of his passes (293-of-457) for 3,500 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just five interceptions. He’s added 298 yards and two scores on the ground - not a true dual-threat, but mobile enough to keep defenses honest.
Simpson’s biggest weakness? Holding onto the ball too long.
He’s been sacked 29 times, and that’s not entirely on the offensive line - many of those have come from late decisions or trying to extend plays. That plays right into Indiana’s hands, assuming they can generate pressure without their top edge guys.
If Indiana can collapse the pocket and force Simpson into quicker reads, they’ll put themselves in a position to make game-changing plays.
Running Backs: Power and Versatility, But Limited Production
Alabama’s backfield has been a committee, with senior Jam Miller leading the way. He’s carried it 130 times for 504 yards (3.9 per carry) and three touchdowns.
Behind him are sophomore Daniel Hill and freshman Kevin Riley, both of whom average just over five carries per game and under four yards per attempt. Riley’s been banged up, while Hill - a 6-foot-1, 244-pound bruiser - led the team in carries in their CFP win over Oklahoma and averaged 4.8 yards per touch.
Where the backs add value is in the passing game. Hill has 21 receptions for 198 yards, and with his size, he’s a load to bring down in the open field.
Miller has chipped in with 18 catches for 108 yards. Expect Alabama to try to get them involved on screens and check-downs, especially if Indiana’s pass rush heats up.
Wide Receivers: Deep, Talented, and a Bit Inconsistent
Alabama’s receiving corps is deep and diverse - and also a little inconsistent.
Drops have been a problem, with 31 on the year. Freshman Ryan Williams has struggled the most in that area, with 10 drops to his name. But when this group is clicking, they’re dangerous.
Germie Bernard is the go-to guy. The 6-foot-1, 204-pound junior has 60 catches for 802 yards and seven touchdowns.
He led the team in receptions last year and has continued to be a steady presence. Around him is a mix of weapons: 5-foot-9 slot man Lotzeir Brooks, 6-foot-4 deep threat Isaiah Horton, and others who all bring different skill sets to the table.
Four receivers have at least 32 catches and 441 yards.
Simpson has done a good job spreading the wealth - 11 different players have caught a touchdown pass this season.
Tight Ends: Reliable Targets with Upside
Josh Cuevas is Alabama’s top tight end threat. At 6-foot-3 and 256 pounds, he’s a tough cover - especially in the red zone.
Cuevas has 33 catches for 376 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games. Freshman Kaleb Edwards (6-foot-6) has also made his presence felt with 11 catches for 150 yards and a score.
Both tight ends are more reliable in pass protection than run blocking, which fits Alabama’s offensive identity. Expect them to be involved in chipping Indiana’s edge rushers and slipping out into space as safety valves for Simpson.
Offensive Line: Star Power, But Not Without Flaws
Left tackle Kadyn Proctor headlines this group - a consensus first-team All-American with elite size (6-foot-7, 366 pounds) and top PFF grades in both run and pass blocking. But even he’s not invincible. Proctor has allowed 20 pressures this season, tied with right tackle Wilkin Formby for the most on the team.
The interior is anchored by veteran center Parker Brailsford, who followed head coach Kalen DeBoer from Washington and has been a steadying force.
Despite the 29 sacks allowed, Alabama’s offensive line ranks fifth nationally in pass blocking, according to PFF. That suggests some of those sacks are more about Simpson holding onto the ball than protection breakdowns. Run blocking, however, has been less effective - the Tide rank just 43rd in that department.
Final Thoughts
This is a heavyweight battle between two teams with very different identities. Alabama wants to spread you out and pick you apart through the air. Indiana wants to pressure the quarterback, shut down the run, and force mistakes.
The Hoosiers have the nation’s second-best scoring defense for a reason - they’re disciplined, fast, and opportunistic. But Alabama’s passing game is the best unit Indiana has faced all season. If the Tide can protect Simpson and avoid turnovers, they’ll have a shot to crack this Hoosier defense.
Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET on Jan. 1, and it’s shaping up to be a chess match in Pasadena.