At a Glance
- Indiana (13-0) faces Alabama (11-3) in the 112th Rose Bowl.
- Game starts at 1 p.m., rain-marred conditions.
- Winner advances to Peach Bowl semifinal.
- Why it matters: This game decides which team moves on to the CFP semifinal and could give Indiana its first national title.
The 112th Rose Bowl, drenched in rain for the third consecutive day, will pit the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers against the ninth-seeded Alabama Crimson Tide. The matchup, starting at 1 p.m., could crown Indiana’s first national champion and sends the Crimson Tide to the Peach Bowl semifinal.
The Road to Pasadena
Indiana entered the game undefeated, having turned a historically losing program into a 13-game winner under coach Curt Cignetti. They defeated Ohio State for the Big Ten title and climbed to No. 1 in the AP Top 25. Alabama, meanwhile, earned a CFP berth after a road win over Oklahoma and is led by coach Kalen DeBoer.
- Indiana: 13-0 record, No. 1 seed, Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza.
- Alabama: 11-3 record, No. 9 seed, led by quarterback Ty Simpson.
Rain, Turf, and Unusual Start
Three hours before kickoff, the Rose Bowl removed on-field traditions to protect the turf, allowing marching bands to play from the stands and parade dignitaries to watch from the sidelines. The field, covered during the storm, appeared pristine when uncovered. The 1 p.m. kickoff meant the sunset over the San Gabriel Mountains would not grace the fourth quarter, though low clouds kept the view from Pasadena that morning.
| Team | Record | Seed | Key Player |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana | 13-0 | 1 | Fernando Mendoza |
| Alabama | 11-3 | 9 | Ty Simpson |
Both teams are battling through a rare Southern California rainstorm that has soaked parking lots and required special drainage.
Key Takeaways
- Indiana (13-0) faces Alabama (11-3) in a rain-marred Rose Bowl.
- Game starts at 1 p.m., earlier than usual.
- Winner moves on to Peach Bowl semifinal.
With the winner heading to the Peach Bowl semifinal, every yard in Pasadena counts toward a national title run. The rain-marred Rose Bowl will decide whether Indiana claims its first CFP championship or Alabama continues its quest for a third national title.
