Rose Bowl Showdown: No. 1 Indiana Prepares for Crimson Tide Test in College Football Playoff Quarterfinal
The stage is set. Tomorrow afternoon, under the California sun at the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena, No.
1 Indiana squares off against No. 9 Alabama in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal that promises fireworks.
Kickoff is slated for 1:00 PM PT (4:00 PM EST) on ESPN, and all eyes will be on whether Indiana can continue its dream season-or if Alabama, battle-tested and hungry, has one more statement win in them.
Alabama enters the game with an 11-3 record, and while this year’s Crimson Tide might not have the same dominant aura we’ve seen in past iterations, they’re still loaded with talent and capable of flipping a game in a heartbeat. At the center of that potential is quarterback Ty Simpson.
The Simpson Factor
Simpson’s development has been one of the more intriguing storylines of Alabama’s season. When he’s locked in, he looks every bit the part of a future NFL quarterback-capable of threading the needle with precision and making the kind of throws that leave defensive backs shaking their heads.
He’s not just a pocket passer, either. While he won’t be mistaken for a dual-threat QB, Simpson has enough mobility to escape pressure and extend plays, and he’s shown he can move the chains when coverage breaks down.
That said, consistency has been the name of the game-and sometimes the issue. Simpson can catch fire, but getting into that rhythm early has been a challenge in certain matchups.
Part of that stems from Alabama’s struggles to establish a consistent run game. When the Tide can’t find balance, the offense leans heavily on Simpson to make magic happen.
And while he’s capable, that’s a tall ask against elite defenses-especially one like Indiana’s, which has been one of the most complete units in the country this season.
Playmakers to Watch
Simpson isn’t doing it alone. Alabama’s offense still features a handful of dynamic weapons who can tilt the field in a hurry.
The Crimson Tide’s receiving corps is deep, athletic, and explosive-capable of turning short gains into big plays. Whether it's stretching the field vertically or working the intermediate routes, they give Simpson options all over the field.
But the key for Alabama will be whether they can get enough production on the ground to keep Indiana honest. When the Tide’s run game clicks, it opens everything up-play-action becomes more effective, pass rushers have to hesitate, and Simpson gets the breathing room he needs to operate at his best.
The Bigger Picture
For Indiana, this is a chance to validate a No. 1 ranking that some doubters have questioned all season long. For Alabama, it’s about proving that despite a few bumps along the way, they’re still very much a force in the College Football Playoff picture. The Rose Bowl has hosted plenty of iconic matchups over the years, and this one has the potential to join that list.
Two proud programs. One legendary venue.
A trip to the CFP semifinal on the line. Buckle up.