(Photo: Action Network)
College Football Playoff- Quarterfinals
(9) Alabama Crimson Tide at (1) Indiana Hoosiers
Alabama (11-3):
It wasn’t looking good early on, and the Oklahoma Sooners appeared to be running away with the game. Social media was buzzing when they struggled out of the gates, especially considering the constant talk about them making the College Football Playoff—not only after losing badly in the SEC Championship Game, but also because they became the first three-loss team to make the postseason. At one point, they were down 17 points, and Oklahoma was simply having its way. Normally, teams adjust at halftime and come out of the locker room as a brand-new group, but that wasn’t the case for them last Friday. Their in-game adjustments couldn’t have been any better, as they took control of the game and got revenge on a team that had defeated them in the regular season in back-to-back years. Offensively, they were able to spread the ball around and find the open man, but if I had to give a game ball to anyone, it would be the Alabama defense. They were suffocating, consistently pressuring John Mateer and dominating the run game by allowing just two yards per carry. I’ll admit the Crimson Tide hadn’t looked their best down the stretch. They lost to that same Oklahoma team in Tuscaloosa, barely got by Auburn in the Iron Bowl, and got punched in the mouth by Georgia in the SEC title game. However, all of that is now in the past. They handled their business and are on to the next challenge. This Thursday, they’ll face the top seed in the tournament in Pasadena.
Indiana (13-0):
Last year was good, but this season has been even greater. The 2024 campaign felt like an introduction to Curt Cignetti, but this year, they have put the entire nation on notice. Early on, they were cruising with a perfect record, but what truly caught my attention was the showdown in Eugene, Oregon, on October 11. For anyone who follows college football closely, Autzen Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in the country, yet Indiana went on the road and came away with a 10-point victory. I also can’t forget the last time we saw this group play—December 6 against the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes. Indiana entered the Big Ten Championship Game as one of the final two undefeated teams in the sport and held Ohio State to its lowest point total of the season (10), handing the Buckeyes their first loss of the year. This is the most complete team remaining in the playoff due to their physical nature on both sides of the ball. They’re just as tough offensively as they are defensively. T.J. Hopkins says it best: “Okay, you did it once—now do it again.” Indiana has listened, and they’ve done exactly that. Even I didn’t know what to expect from them this season, but here they are as the top seed in the tournament. On New Year’s Day, the Hoosiers will make their College Football Playoff debut against the Crimson Tide.
Alabama X-Factor: Tim Keenan III
The big fella. Standing 6’2” and weighing 320 pounds, Tim moves incredibly well for his size. I’ve always described interior defensive linemen like him as “pocket pushers,” and that’s exactly what he is. Pressure up the middle is far more difficult for quarterbacks to escape than edge pressure. Tim is also a true lane-eater who clogs running lanes. He may not always show up on the stat sheet, but he changes drives and can flip the momentum of a game in his team’s favor.
Indiana X-Factor: Omar Cooper Jr.
Elijah Surratt may be Indiana’s top receiver, but this is their most important weapon in the passing game. Omar isn’t just a typical deep threat—he wins with route running, timing, and leverage. Alabama’s secondary is athletic, but it can be vulnerable against precise route runners. If Omar gets going early, it changes how Alabama blitzes, as they won’t be able to send pressure freely. That would also give Fernando Mendoza more time in the pocket and help keep the offense on schedule.
Final Thoughts:
There’s nothing quite like a game at the Rose Bowl, and this is an incredibly intriguing matchup. Believe it or not, this will be the first meeting between these two programs, and it’s happening in the College Football Playoff. A trip to Atlanta is on the line. We have two of the best coaches in the country in Kalen DeBoer and Curt Cignetti, along with two outstanding quarterbacks in Ty Simpson and Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza. The key matchup in this game is Alabama’s defensive front versus Indiana’s offensive line. To me, that battle will determine the outcome. If Tim Keenan and company control the line of scrimmage, Indiana’s offense will stall. However, if the Hoosiers can protect Mendoza up front, it will put stress on Alabama’s secondary. Quarterback play will also be critical, as both will see disguised coverages and pressure. Can Ty Simpson avoid forcing throws? Can Mendoza handle Alabama’s speed and post-snap disguises? Alabama must limit Indiana’s explosive plays and keep receivers in front of them, forcing the Hoosiers to earn every yard. They also need to disrupt Mendoza’s rhythm and force quicker throws. Indiana, meanwhile, can’t become one-dimensional. The run game doesn’t have to be perfect, but it must be respected. Getting Omar Cooper involved early—on slants and screens—can set the tone and force Alabama to roll coverage his way. The winner of this game will face the winner of Oregon and Texas Tech.
