**Rose Bowl Preview: No. 1 Indiana vs.
No. 9 Alabama - A Clash of Eras in Pasadena**
The Rose Bowl has always been about tradition - the pageantry, the setting, the sunset over the San Gabriel Mountains. But like the rest of college football, it's evolving.
The old Big Ten vs. Pac-12 showdown is no more, especially now that the Pac-12 has faded into history.
Ironically, many of its former flagbearers now wear Big Ten patches on their jerseys. And the Rose Bowl?
It's now home to a College Football Playoff quarterfinal.
This year, the matchup brings together two programs with vastly different histories but the same goal: a national title. No.
1 Indiana, fresh off its first Big Ten championship since 1967, takes on No. 9 Alabama, a program synonymous with postseason dominance.
The winner punches a ticket to the Peach Bowl semifinal on January 9, where they’ll face the Orange Bowl champion.
Let’s break down what makes this Rose Bowl so compelling.
Indiana’s Uncharted Territory as College Football’s No. 1
For the first time in program history, Indiana takes the field as the top-ranked team in the country - not just in the College Football Playoff rankings, but in the AP poll as well. That ranking became reality after the Hoosiers knocked off Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship, a win that capped off an undefeated regular season and officially stamped their arrival on the national stage.
It’s a remarkable leap for a program that, until recently, wasn’t part of the playoff conversation at all. Last year’s playoff debut ended in a first-round loss to Notre Dame. This time, they’re not sneaking in - they’re leading the pack.
And there’s some poetic symmetry here: Indiana’s first game as the nation’s No. 1 comes against Alabama, the very program that has defined the BCS and playoff eras. If Indiana wants to prove it belongs in that elite tier, this is the perfect proving ground.
Alabama’s Rose Bowl Resume Keeps Growing
While Indiana is new to this stage, Alabama is anything but. This will be the Crimson Tide’s ninth Rose Bowl appearance, despite the SEC never having a formal tie-in with the game.
The Tide were last here in the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinal, where they fell to Michigan. But they’ve also celebrated big wins in Pasadena - most recently in the 2020 playoff, and historically during a stretch of six appearances from 1926 to 1946.
After missing the playoff last season, Alabama is back in familiar territory. Their opening-round win over Oklahoma was a reminder of how dangerous they can be, especially when playing from behind. Down 17-0 early, the Tide stormed back and advanced with a gritty performance that showcased their resilience and playoff pedigree.
Heisman History for Indiana
Indiana’s rise this season has been fueled by quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who made history as the program’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner. It’s a milestone that speaks volumes, not just about his individual brilliance, but about how far the Hoosiers have come.
Mendoza transferred from Cal ahead of the season, and it’s safe to say that move paid off. He’s been the engine behind Indiana’s unbeaten run, combining poise, accuracy, and just enough mobility to keep defenses honest. His command of the offense has elevated the Hoosiers from a feel-good story to a legitimate title contender.
What to Watch: Styles Make Fights
This game isn’t just a battle of rankings - it’s a stylistic clash. Indiana’s defense has been one of the most consistent units in the country, but it hasn’t been perfect.
The Hoosiers have occasionally given up big plays through the air, and that’s exactly where Alabama can hurt you. The Tide’s passing game thrives on stretching the field and creating explosive moments.
On the other side, Indiana’s offense, led by Mendoza, is efficient and balanced. They don’t rely on shootouts, but they can move the ball methodically and capitalize on opportunities. Alabama’s defense, while opportunistic, showed some cracks against Oklahoma - the Sooners left points on the board that could’ve changed the game.
So while this may not turn into a track meet, it won’t be a defensive slugfest either. Both offenses have the tools to score, and both defenses will be tested in ways they haven’t been all season.
The Bottom Line
The Rose Bowl has always been a showcase, and this year’s edition offers something special: a rising program trying to cement its place among the elite, and a blueblood aiming to reassert its dominance. Indiana is chasing its first playoff win. Alabama is chasing another title run.
Two different paths. One iconic setting. And a whole lot on the line.
Buckle up - Pasadena’s got a heavyweight fight on its hands.