Overview
- Indiana enters 13-0 as Big Ten champion behind Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.
- Alabama arrives 11-3 after a 17-point comeback win at Oklahoma in the CFP first round.
- Indiana defensive lineman Stephen Daley has been ruled out for the rest of the season following a postgame injury after the Big Ten title.
- Betting lines and models lean to Indiana, with sportsbooks listing about a 7-point spread and ESPN’s predictor giving the Hoosiers a 71.4% win chance.
- Coaches bring shared ties as Curt Cignetti previously worked under Nick Saban at Alabama and Kalen DeBoer once coordinated Indiana’s offense, while analysts highlight Alabama’s need for a quicker start and more balance on the ground.