Hoosiers Shock Alabama, Advance to CFP Semifinals
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Indiana’s dominant 38-3 Rose Bowl win over alabama marks a stunning turnaround for the programme adn propels them into a College Football Playoff semifinal matchup against Oregon.
- Indiana defeated Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
- Center Pat Coogan was named the offensive MVP, a rare honor for an offensive lineman.
- The Hoosiers, now 14-0, will face Oregon in the Peach Bowl on January 9.
- This victory is the latest step in a remarkable two-season turnaround for Indiana.
Pasadena, California – In a Rose Bowl performance that reverberated across the college football landscape, Indiana delivered a stunning 38-3 victory over the Alabama crimson Tide on Thursday, securing their place in the College Football Playoff semifinals. The win wasn’t just about the score; it was a statement – a physical and strategic dismantling of a customary powerhouse.
“Good,” Cignetti said. “It was a hard-fought game early. Alabama made some plays. They had us off balance offensively.But we were able to make the plays when we needed to and take over in the second half. It’s a big win against a team that’s got a lot of tradition like that.”
The Hoosiers scored the game’s first 24 points, building a lead that Alabama could never overcome. touchdown passes from mendoza to Charlie Becker, Omar Cooper Jr., and Elijah Sarratt, coupled with late-game rushing touchdowns from Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby, sealed the victory in the 112th edition of the “Granddaddy of Them All.”
Looking Ahead
Indiana’s next challenge comes in the Peach Bowl on january 9, where they will face fifth-seeded Oregon. The ducks earlier routed Texas tech 23-0 in the Orange bowl. Indiana previously defeated Oregon 30-20 in Eugene last october, a victory that showcased cignetti’s coaching prowess.
Indiana is the first team to advance in the current 12-team playoff format after receiving a first-round bye. The Hoosiers have a record of 25-2 under Cignetti, demonstrating the remarkable transformation of the program.
Alabama’s struggles
For Alabama, the loss marked a disappointing end to their second season under Kalen DeBoer, mirroring their final season under Nick Saban two years prior. The Crimson Tide struggled to establish a running game and managed only 151 yards of offense before a late, inconsequential push. Quarterback Ty Simpson was injured in the first half, forcing backup austin Mack into action.
“We can be upset, because losing doesn’t sit well for us, and we can be frustrated about it,” DeBoer said.
Indiana’s defense proved too formidable, stopping Alabama on a crucial fourth-down attempt and consistently pressuring the Crimson Tide’s quarterbacks. The Hoosiers’ physical dominance was evident throughout the game, controlling the line of scrimmage and dictating the flow of play.
Indiana hadn’t won a bowl game since the Copper Bowl in 1991,but that history was erased with this resounding victory. The Hoosiers are now two wins away from their first national championship in school history.
