Pasadena, CA — The sun is setting over the San Gabriel Mountains, painting the sky in mismatched hues of crimson and cream. For the 112th time, the Rose Bowl Game will be played, but this year, the stakes are definitively modern.
Game Information
- Matchup: #9 Alabama (11-3) vs. #1 Indiana (13-0)
- Kickoff: 5:00 PM ET / 2:00 PM PT
- Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, CA
- TV: ESPN
- Line: Indiana -3.5
On one sideline stands Alabama, the aristocracy of college football, fresh off a gritty 34-24 victory over Oklahoma in the CFP First Round. They are battle-tested, having survived the SEC gauntlet and a late-season surge that saw them win their sixth consecutive Iron Bowl.
On the other stands Indiana, the story of the year. Under head coach Curt Cignetti—a former Nick Saban assistant—the Hoosiers have achieved the unthinkable: a perfect 13-0 record, a Big Ten Championship, and the No. 1 overall seed. They are the "Cinderella" that actually runs the kingdom.
The Cignetti Factor
The narrative entering this week has been dominated by the coaching connection. Curt Cignetti was the wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator under Nick Saban at Alabama from 2007-2010. He helped build the foundation of the dynasty that still looms over the sport.
Now, he faces the program he helped launch, but this is a different Alabama. Under Kalen DeBoer, the Tide has evolved offensively while maintaining the physical standard Saban established.
Key Matchups
1. Indiana's Passing Attack vs. Alabama's Secondary
Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke has been surgical all season, leading an offense that rarely makes mistakes. Alabama's secondary, led by freshman sensation Jaylen Mbakwe (who secured the game-sealing interception against Auburn) and safety Keon Sabb, faces its toughest disciplined test of the year.
2. The Trenches
The concern for Alabama entering kickoff is the health of the defensive line. LT Overton is listed as questionable after leaving the Oklahoma game. If he cannot go, the onus falls on Alabama's depth to generate pressure against an Indiana offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the Big Ten.
The Path Forward
The winner of today's contest advances to the CFP Semifinals to face the winner of Oregon vs. Texas Tech. With Miami already upsetting Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl yesterday, the bracket has opened up. For Alabama, the path to another national title runs through the unlikeliest of giants.
As the band strikes up and the sun dips below the stadium rim, the "Granddaddy of Them All" is ready to deliver one more classic.