Rose Bowl Preview: Alabama vs. Indiana

By Chris Marler

Five years ago, the idea of Indiana facing Alabama in the Rose Bowl as a seven-point favorite, ranked No. 1 with the Heisman winner at quarterback, would’ve sounded absurd. Nevertheless, that is the exact scenario we are in for the 2026 edition of the Rose Bowl.

Alabama wins IF…

They can take Indiana out into deep waters in the fourth quarter. 

Alabama has to love being an underdog. It’s not a role they got to play a lot under Nick Saban, but this is the third consecutive game they’ve been an underdog. It’s also the biggest underdog spread they have faced since the 2008 SEC Championship Game. Indiana isn’t some fun, feel good story anymore. Indiana is a juggernaut this season. 

Alabama heard all of it, the talk about being undeserving after the Georgia loss, the claims they didn’t belong in the playoff, the rumors their coach was already Michigan-bound, and the early celebrations when they fell behind 17–0.

This is still an elite roster led by strong coaching, battle-tested by a brutal schedule and 11 wins that included seven ranked opponents. There’s a house-money feel to this Alabama team, and if they push Indiana into the fourth quarter and force a comeback, Alabama’s experience gives them a clear edge.

Crazy the difference a few weeks makes pic.twitter.com/YowRbr6lfR

— Barstool Bama (@BarstoolAlabama) December 30, 2025

Indiana wins IF…

They make Alabama play left handed. 

Indiana is a good football team, and there isn’t a metric or statistic where they look weak. That’s especially true in specific areas that win you football games like turnovers and playing stifling defense. Indiana tops the nation with a +17 turnover margin, has picked off 17 passes, and has surrendered just seven passing touchdowns all season, the second fewest in the country.

They also have one of the best run defenses in the country, ranking third in rush yards allowed per game at 77.6 and tenth in yards per carry allowed at 2.89. I don’t think that will be much of a factor in this game. 

Alabama has shown all year that they cannot run the football against anyone, so I’m not sure why that would change suddenly against this Indiana defense. I expect Indiana to drop seven and eight in the secondary knowing that Alabama’s only chance to score and move the ball will be through the air. 

I also expect them to line up and run the football right at Alabama on offense. Alabama escaped Athens early in the season when Kirby Smart decided not to run at Alabama despite averaging 6.9 yards per carry. Against Missouri, Ahmad Hardy finished the game with only 12 carries. 

No team has consistently lined up and run straight at Alabama to test what could be a major vulnerability, but Indiana will try. If that fails, they can lean on a passing attack led by Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza and a fully healthy group of receivers.

Highest Graded Rose Bowl Players | Indiana vs Alabama🔥 pic.twitter.com/gncUhCk03z

— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 30, 2025

Alabama X-Factor – WR Ryan Williams 

He’s due. Ryan Williams is still one of the best players in America when he’s on. The downside is that he hasn’t been on for most of the year. He leads all Power 4 receivers in drops this year with ten, and has had a big stepback in production. He’s battled injuries and has rarely looked like himself since the Wisconsin game. 

He’s still the best weapon for Alabama when he’s on, and I think he’s more than due to have a breakout game. He’s one big play away from busting out of this slump entirely and returning to his former self. That’s a scary thought for Indiana, or anyone else in the country for that matter. 

Alabama has shown how dynamic the passing game can be with different players all year. Tight end Josh Cuevas led the team in receptions against Oklahoma with six for 80 yards. Isaiah Horton had three receiving touchdowns against Auburn. Lotzier Brooks had his first two touchdowns of the year against Oklahoma. Germie Bernard had to play hero in the fourth quarter against South Carolina. It’s Ryan Williams’ turn to become another problem for a defense. 

Kalen DeBoer on Ryan Williams:

“He’s gonna have a game like he’s had at different times where he goes off and I’m just waiting for that moment because it’s gonna be awesome and I know it’s coming — sooner rather than later.” pic.twitter.com/LcROoiWzid

— Cover Crimson (@CoverCrimson) December 30, 2025

Indiana X-Factor – S Louis Moore 

Moore leads Indiana in interceptions with six on the year, and does it for a unit that has been absolutely dominant against opposing passing games. 

The secondary is talented across the board, but Moore will be key in stopping an Alabama passing attack that is the one working dimension of the offense. Among Indiana’s standout defenders, Moore ranked third among starters in PFF coverage grade at 84.4. He missed just one tackle all season, allowed 9.1 yards per catch, and gave up only 44 yards after the catch on 19 targets.

Indiana S Louis Moore is one of the cleanest S prospects I’ve watched. He’s incredibly assignment sound, shows off true range as a deep S, and has awesome route recognition. He’s rising big-time for me pic.twitter.com/Rq2xazTXXG

— Daniel Harms (@InHarmsWay19) December 12, 2025

Score Prediction

I like Alabama in this spot, but after watching them 14 times this season, I feel pretty confident in what they are. They’re simply not as complete as Indiana. They’re less rested, and asking them to hold up for four quarters against a team this balanced feels like too much. Alabama can keep it tight for three quarters, but Indiana should separate late, and if Curt Cignetti gets a chance to make a statement, he won’t hesitate.

Indiana 33, Alabama 20