The Indiana Hoosiers delivered a commanding statement on college football’s grandest stage, overwhelming the Alabama Crimson Tide 38–3 in the Rose Bowl at Rose Bowl Stadium to advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Top-seeded Indiana improved to 14–0 with the victory, dismantling Alabama with a balanced offensive attack and a defense that neutralized one of the sport’s most recognizable programs. The win marked the Hoosiers’ most significant postseason triumph in program history and underscored their legitimacy as a national title contender.
Indiana seized control early and never relinquished it. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza set the tone with a sharp opening-quarter touchdown pass to Elijah Sarratt, and the Hoosiers steadily built momentum as the game progressed. Alabama managed just a single field goal in the first half and struggled to find rhythm against Indiana’s disciplined coverage and relentless pressure.
By halftime, the Hoosiers had opened a commanding lead, capitalizing on short fields and sustained drives that wore down the Crimson Tide defense. Indiana’s offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, allowing Mendoza time to distribute the ball efficiently while the running game consistently moved the chains.
The second half was all Indiana. The Hoosiers scored repeatedly, extending the margin with methodical drives and explosive plays alike. Mendoza continued to deliver accurate throws, spreading the ball to multiple receivers and avoiding turnovers. Indiana’s defense was equally dominant, limiting Alabama’s ground game and forcing repeated three-and-outs.
Alabama’s lone points came on a field goal, as the Crimson Tide were held without a touchdown for the entirety of the contest. Indiana recorded multiple sacks and turnovers, consistently winning field position and preventing any sustained comeback attempt.
Mendoza finished with a composed and efficient performance, throwing for nearly 300 yards and multiple touchdowns, while Sarratt and Charlie Becker emerged as reliable targets in the passing game. Indiana’s defense proved decisive, overwhelming Alabama’s offense and controlling the tempo from start to finish.
The victory sends Indiana to the College Football Playoff semifinals, where the Hoosiers will face Oregon with a berth in the national championship game at stake. Head coach Curt Cignetti praised his team’s preparation and focus afterward, calling the performance “a reflection of everything this program has built toward.”
The Rose Bowl once again lived up to its reputation as one of college football’s most iconic stages. This edition, however, will be remembered less for late drama and more for dominance, as Indiana delivered a resounding performance that announced the Hoosiers as a true force in the national title race.
As Indiana prepares for the next step in the College Football Playoff, it does so carrying the confidence of a team that did not merely survive the moment, but controlled it from start to finish.
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