Source: CNN News Sports – https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/01/sport/football-ncaa-cfp-rose-bowl-indiana-routs-alabama
Indiana defeated Alabama 38 to 3 in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. The game served as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal. Indiana entered as the No. 1 seed, while Alabama was the No. 9 seed.
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza passed for 192 yards and three touchdowns. This game was his first since winning the Heisman Trophy. Despite his strong performance, offensive lineman Pat Coogan received the offensive MVP award. He became the center of the postgame celebration.
Indiana controlled the game at the line of scrimmage. The team scored the first 24 points. Nicolas Radicic started the scoring with a 31-yard field goal. Indiana put together several long drives that limited Alabama’s possessions. Rushing touchdowns in the fourth quarter by Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby sealed the victory.
Charlie Becker, Omar Cooper Jr., and Elijah Sarratt caught touchdown passes. Black rushed for 99 yards. Indiana outgained Alabama 407 yards to 193. Alabama’s quarterbacks struggled. Ty Simpson passed for 67 yards before leaving with a rib injury. Backup Austin Mack came in during the third quarter and led one scoring drive.
Indiana improved to 14 and 0, advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinals. They will face Oregon in the Peach Bowl on January 9. Alabama finished the season 11 and 4.
This win marked Indiana’s first Rose Bowl victory and their first appearance in the game since 1968. The program is now two wins away from its first national championship.
