INDIANAPOLIS, IND — The Indiana Hoosiers are headed to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
No. 1 Indiana crushed No. 9 Alabama 38-3 at the Rose Bowl on New Year's Day, advancing to the Peach Bowl on January 9 to face No. 5 Oregon with a spot in the national championship on the line.
The Hoosiers outgained Alabama 407 to 193 in total yards, controlled possession for over 34 minutes, and held the Crimson Tide scoreless until a late third-quarter field goal. Alabama's 35-point loss marked its largest defeat since 1998 and its fewest points in a bowl game since 1960.
How Indiana Football Became a National Powerhouse
Two years ago, the idea of Indiana competing for a national championship felt unrealistic. Now, under head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers are 14-0 and one of the final four teams standing in college football.
Cignetti became just the second FBS coach to win at least 25 games in his first two seasons with a program. The only other coach to accomplish that feat? Alabama's Kalen DeBoer, who did it at Washington before replacing Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa.
Indiana is also the first team in the 12-team CFP format to win a quarterfinal game after receiving a first-round bye. The 'Bye Curse' had reached a staggering 0-6 all-time record coming into kickoff: all four bye teams lost last season, followed by Ohio State's loss to Miami on Wednesday and Texas Tech's defeat earlier today. The Hoosiers finally broke that trend in dominant fashion.
Fernando Mendoza Was Surgical
Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza was nearly flawless, completing 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns. The Cal transfer didn't throw an interception and consistently delivered strikes when Indiana needed them most.
His touchdown passes went to Charlie Becker (21 yards), Omar Cooper Jr. (1 yard), and Elijah Sarratt (24 yards). Mendoza's efficiency and poise under pressure have defined Indiana's offense all season, and Thursday's performance was no exception.
The Ground Game Dominated
Indiana's rushing attack was relentless. The Hoosiers racked up 215 rushing yards compared to Alabama's 23, controlling the line of scrimmage throughout the game.
Kaelon Black: 15 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD (25-yard score in the fourth quarter)
Roman Hemby: 18 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD (18-yard score in the fourth quarter)
Fernando Mendoza: 8 carries, 16 yards
The combination of Mendoza's accuracy and Indiana's dominant run game kept Alabama's defense on its heels all afternoon.
Indiana's Defense Was Suffocating
The Hoosiers held Alabama to just 193 total yards and 3.9 yards per play. The Crimson Tide converted only 3 of 11 third-down attempts and went 0-for-2 on fourth down, including a critical failed conversion at their own 34-yard line in the second quarter that swung momentum firmly in Indiana's favor.
Devan Boykin led the defense with 7 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 tackles for loss. Aiden Fisher added 7 tackles and a sack of his own. Mikail Kamara chipped in with a sack and a tackle for loss. As a team, Indiana recorded 3 sacks and 6 tackles for loss.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was pulled in the third quarter after struggling against the Hoosiers' relentless pressure. He completed 12 of 16 passes for just 67 yards before Austin Mack took over.
The Turning Point
The game turned early in the second quarter when Alabama, facing fourth-and-1 at their own 34-yard line, gambled and lost. After both teams traded timeouts, Kalen DeBoer stuck with his call, lining up in Wildcat and attempting a pop pass to Germie Bernard. Indiana sniffed it out and made the stop.
Minutes later, Mendoza connected with Charlie Becker for a 21-yard touchdown, and the rout was on. Indiana never looked back.
What's Next for Indiana Football
The Hoosiers will face No. 5 Oregon in the Peach Bowl on January 9. This will be a rematch of their regular-season showdown in Eugene, which Indiana won 30-20. Since that loss, Oregon has reeled off eight consecutive wins, including a 23-0 shutout of Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl.
The winner advances to the national championship game.
By the Numbers
Stat | Alabama | Indiana |
|---|---|---|
Total Yards | 193 | 407 |
Passing Yards | 170 | 192 |
Rushing Yards | 23 | 215 |
Yards Per Play | 3.9 | 6.2 |
First Downs | 11 | 22 |
3rd Down Efficiency | 3/11 | 9/14 |
Time of Possession | 25:39 | 34:21 |
Top Performers
Indiana Offense:
Fernando Mendoza: 14/16, 192 yards, 3 TDs
Kaelon Black: 15 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD
Roman Hemby: 18 carries, 89 yards, 1 TD
Charlie Becker: 2 receptions, 51 yards, 1 TD
Omar Cooper Jr.: 3 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD
Elijah Sarratt: 4 receptions, 40 yards, 1 TD
Indiana Defense:
Devan Boykin: 7 tackles, 1 sack, 3 TFL
Aiden Fisher: 7 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL
Rolijah Hardy: 6 tackles, 1 TFL
Mikail Kamara: 1 tackle, 1 sack, 1 TFL
For decades, Indiana football was an afterthought. The program hadn't won a Big Ten title in 80 years before December. Now, they're two wins from a national championship.
If you're wondering what a Hoosier actually is, the answer used to be complicated, old folklore about frontier greetings and riverboat workers. But right now, it's simple: a Hoosier is someone who believes in this team.