Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Rose Bowl Quarterfinal Pits No. 1 Indiana vs. No. 9 Alabama in Coaching Reunion

Indiana enters short-handed after defensive lineman Stephen Daley was ruled out for the season.

Overview

  • Indiana and Alabama meet Jan. 1 in Pasadena at 3 p.m. CT on ESPN, with the winner advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
  • Curt Cignetti, a former Alabama assistant under Nick Saban, said his Tide tenure shapes Indiana’s program philosophy and daily approach.
  • Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer, who once coordinated Indiana’s offense, recalled his 2019 stint in Bloomington and a defining 38-31 win at Nebraska.
  • Cignetti praised Alabama’s resolve after studying film, highlighting the Tide’s 17-point comeback win over Oklahoma as evidence of character and coaching.
  • The top-seeded Hoosiers are 13-0 with a Big Ten title and a two-time AP Coach of the Year in Cignetti, but they will replace Daley after his postgame injury was deemed season-ending.