No. 1 Indiana returns to the Rose Bowl for first time since 1968 to take on CFP stalwart Alabama
Posted on: Dec 31, 2025 01:28 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
No. 11 alabama river vs. No. 1 robert indiana , th, 4 p.m. EST
BetMGM Sportsbook College football game betting odds: Indiana by 7.
Series record: First meeting.
Undefeated Big Ten champion Indiana is playing in the Rose Bowl for the first time since Jan. 1, 1968, and finds itself three wins away from cementing the unlikeliest rise in recent college football history with a national title. The Hoosiers are in the CFP for the season straight season, having lost 27-17 at Notre Dame in the first round last year. Alabama is making its ninth CFP appearance but first under coach Kalen DeBoer. The Crimson Tide rallied from a 17-point deficit to win at Oklahoma on Dec. 19 to reach “The Granddaddy of Them All” for the ninth time, not including a BCS championship game victory in Pasadena, California, following the 2009 season. The winner advances to the CFP semifinals to play the Orange Bowl winner, No. 4 seed Texas Tech or No. 5 seed Oregon, in the Peach Bowl.
Alabama running back Jam Miller vs. Indiana linebackers Aiden Fisher and Rolijah Hardy. The Crimson Tide managed to advance despite running for 28 yards against the Sooners, with Miller managing just 11 yards on seven carries in his return from a leg injury sustained in the Iron Bowl. Miller has a team-high 504 yards rushing with three touchdowns while missing time because of various ailments, but indicated he is the healthiest he has been all season long. If Miller cannot establish some semblance of a ground game against Hardy and Fisher , Indiana’s outstanding defense will be able to unleash its devastating pass rush.
Alabama: QB Ty Simpson leads the SEC with 3,500 yards passing and 28 touchdowns in his first season as the Crimson Tide’s starter. He was 18 of 29 for 232 yards and two touchdowns against Oklahoma but took four sacks, Simpson’s seventh game where he was sacked at least three times.
Indiana: QB Fernando Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy after throwing for 2,980 yards and a school single-season record 33 touchdowns. The potential No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, Mendoza spent three seasons at California before transferring to Indiana.
Alabama’s last appearance in the Rose Bowl was in 2024, a 27-20 overtime loss to eventual national champion Michigan in what would be head coach Nick Saban’s final game. … Indiana RB Roman Hemby is one of two FBS active players with 3,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in his career. … The Crimson Tide is 2-0 against Heisman Trophy winners in bowl games, knocking off Miami QB Gino Torretta in the 1992 Sugar Bowl and Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray in the 2018 Orange Bowl. … The Hoosiers lead the country in third down conversion rate at 55.8%. … Alabama has a record 11 wins all-time against No. 1 ranked teams. … Indiana DE Stephen Daley will not play after sustaining a serious leg injury celebrating the Big Ten championship game win over Ohio State. Daley ranks second in the FBS in tackles for loss .
Get poll alerts and updates on the Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. College football: /hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and /hub/college-football
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.