Alabama Football is set to face Indiana next in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. The ninth-seeded Crimson Tide secured a 34-24 victory over No. 8 Oklahoma on December 19 in Norman, Oklahoma. This win marks them as the first team to advance in this year’s CFP.
Ty Simpson played a pivotal role in the comeback, throwing a 10-yard touchdown pass to Lotzeir Brooks in the second quarter. This score initiated a 27-point rally from Alabama. Daniel Hill capped the game with a 6-yard rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter, solidifying the win after Oklahoma had narrowed the deficit to a single possession.
Next Challenge: Indiana Hoosiers
With their first-round victory, Alabama will compete against the top-seeded Indiana Hoosiers in the quarterfinal round. Indiana boasts an impressive undefeated record of 13-0 and features a formidable offense, averaging 41.9 points per game—ranking fifth nationally in scoring. Their defense is equally impressive, allowing only 10.8 points per game.
Indiana’s Key Players
- Quarterback: Fernando Mendoza – 2,980 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, 6 interceptions.
- Running Back: Roman Hemby – 918 rushing yards, 6 rushing touchdowns.
- Wide Receiver: Omar Cooper Jr. – 804 receiving yards, 11 receiving touchdowns on 58 receptions.
- Top Defender: Rolijah Hardy – 87 total tackles, 8 sacks, 4 passes defended. Honorable mention: Louis Moore – 6 interceptions, 76 total tackles.
How Indiana Reached the Quarterfinals
Indiana has had a strong showing this season, finishing 9-0 in Big Ten play. They secured significant victories against teams like Illinois, Iowa, Oregon, Penn State, and Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game.
This marks Indiana’s second consecutive appearance in the College Football Playoff, aiming to overcome a first-round exit from the previous season. They lost to Notre Dame in that matchup, but now they seek to become the first No. 1 seed to win their initial game after receiving a bye.
Game Details
| Date | Time (ET) | Location | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | 4 p.m. | Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA | ESPN |
The matchup between Alabama and Indiana promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams looking to make a significant impact in the College Football Playoff. Fans can catch the action on ESPN or stream it through the ESPN app and Fubo.
