Overview
- The No. 1 Hoosiers face No. 9 Alabama in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal on Jan. 1 (3 p.m. CT, ESPN) with Indiana entering off a monthlong layoff after the Big Ten title.
- Fox Sports analyst Geoff Schwartz flagged Alabama’s lack of pass rush, a concern underscored by PFF data showing Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza is far less efficient when pressured.
- Indiana’s offense ranks near the top nationally while its defense sits among the elite, and DC Bryant Haines’ “maybe we eat” post added edge as IU players also voiced respect for Alabama’s front.
- Broadcast meteorologist James Spann forecast periods of rain during the game with temperatures rising from the upper 50s to low 60s, putting a premium on ball security and footing.
- Alabama OC Ryan Grubb praised Indiana’s disciplined, block-defeating defense and stressed a fast start and cleaner execution; EDGE LT Overton hinted at a return after illness.