This Saturday, Alabama takes on Indiana in a quarterfinal matchup that’s already stirring excitement. Surprisingly, these two teams have never faced each other in college football. Alabama, rich in tradition, now faces a big challenge against the top-seeded Hoosiers as they chase glory in the College Football Playoff.
🔴⚪️ Indiana (13-0)
Indiana has become quite the sensation this season. When the college football year kicked off, many teams aspired to finish undefeated. Fast forward a few months, and here we are—Indiana stands alone as the last undefeated team, which is quite unexpected.
Coach Curt Cignetti has performed an extraordinary turnaround. In just two years, he’s led Indiana to 24 wins, a remarkable feat considering the Hoosiers had only 23 wins over the previous five years. Additionally, Indiana has claimed 17 Big Ten victories in two years, surpassing their total from the six years prior. Remarkably, between 2000 and 2024, they experienced only three winning seasons, one of which was during the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Historically, the Hoosiers struggled to make their mark, seldom appearing in the AP poll until recently.
The past season raised questions about Indiana’s strength, especially after a tough loss to Ohio State. This year, however, they’ve made their case loud and clear. Notably, the Hoosiers knocked off Oregon at home, ending their 18-game winning streak, and capped it off with a victory against the reigning champions, Ohio State.
As Cignetti put it, “It’s pretty simple. I win. Google me.” Now, the 13-0 Hoosiers are riding high, led by Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Indiana ranks near the top in many statistical categories, showcasing their offensive and defensive prowess. It’s tough to find a chink in their armor.
🐘 Alabama (11-3)
Now, let’s talk about Alabama. Their legacy speaks volumes, known for excellence and winning seasons. This matchup might seem like a David versus Goliath scenario, but don’t underestimate the Tide.
Alabama recently pulled off a stunning comeback against Oklahoma, overcoming a 17-point deficit to win. It’s a testimony to their resilience. This season has been a wild ride for the Tide. They stumbled early against Florida State but rebounded to break Georgia’s impressive home win streak. Yet, a loss to Oklahoma in November sent their playoff dreams into uncertainty.
Despite some ups and downs, Alabama still secured a spot in the SEC championship, only to be bested by Georgia. Nevertheless, they managed to earn a last-minute bid to the playoffs.
Quarterback Ty Simpson was a standout early in the season but struggled toward the end. However, their recent triumph over Oklahoma demonstrates their capacity to battle back from adversity, making them a formidable opponent in this contest.
While Alabama may not have the same staggering stats as Indiana, they possess skill and experience that cannot be ignored. This game promises to be an unforgettable clash between two historically contrasting programs in College Football Playoff history.
