Overview
- Top-seeded Indiana enters the game undefeated after winning the Big Ten title on Dec. 6.
- Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti said on-site preparations in Southern California were "fairly disruptive" and that there were "loose ends" to fix before kickoff.
- Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer emphasized communication and energy after travel and said his team carries an "edge" into the matchup.
- Betting lines list Alabama as roughly a seven-point underdog for Thursday’s quarterfinal.
- The matchup pairs Indiana’s transfer-driven rise, led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and other portal additions, with an Alabama team that opened with a loss to Florida State and later rallied past Oklahoma in the playoff.