Rose Bowl Bound: Alabama Begins Prep for #1 Indiana; Injury Updates
For the second time in three seasons, Alabama is headed to the Granddaddy of Them All. Following their emotional 34-24 victory over Oklahoma, the Crimson Tide (11-3) has begun preparation for a New Year's Day clash with the No. 1 seed Indiana Hoosiers (13-0).
Injury Report: Optimism and Questions
- Tim Keenan III (DL) & Red Morgan (DB): Both left the Oklahoma game banged up but are "expected to be fine" according to early reports.
- Jam Miller (RB): Proved he is fully back with 88 yards against OU. No setbacks reported.
- LT Overton (DL): Missed the first round with an illness/injury. Status remains Questionable. His absence would be huge against Indiana's potent offense.
The Underdog Role
Early betting lines opened with Indiana as a 6.5 to 7-point favorite. For a program accustomed to being the hunted, Alabama finds itself in a familiar late-season role under Kalen DeBoer: the dangerous underdog.
"We've been hearing noise all year," DeBoer said post-game. "This group just keeps fighting."
The "Saban Standard" Test
This is the exact scenario where Nick Saban historically thrived: The "Rat Poison" is gone, replaced by doubt. In 2015, 2017, and 2021, Saban used underdog status (real or manufactured) to fuel title runs. DeBoer has proven he can win as a frontrunner; now he must prove he can weaponize disrespect just like the G.O.A.T. did.
Scouting Indiana
The Hoosiers are the story of the year, led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. They possess a balanced, explosive offense that will test Alabama's secondary—especially if field general Red Morgan isn't 100%.