By GREG BEACHAM
PASADENA — Fernando Mendoza showcased his prowess with three touchdown passes, while Indiana’s defense stifled Alabama’s efforts, propelling the Hoosiers to the College Football Playoff semifinals after a commanding 38-3 victory in the 112th Rose Bowl on Thursday.
In his debut game following his historic Heisman Trophy win, Mendoza threw for 192 yards. The undefeated Hoosiers (14-0, No. 1 CFP seed) celebrated a historic moment, capturing their first-ever Rose Bowl title by overpowering the Crimson Tide (11-4, No. 9 CFP seed) with a dominating performance at the line of scrimmage.
Indiana burst ahead, scoring the opening 24 points and sealing their triumph with fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns by Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby. This victory marked a jubilant celebration in the 112th chapter of the iconic “Granddaddy of Them All.”
Charlie Becker, Omar Cooper Jr., and Elijah Sarratt each hauled in touchdown receptions, while Black amassed 99 rushing yards. Indiana’s offensive prowess was on full display as they outgained Alabama 407-193, much to the delight of the enthusiastic Indiana supporters who cheered on their team’s first Rose Bowl appearance since 1968 with chants of “Hoosier Daddy?” echoing in the final moments.
Indiana’s triumph marked their first bowl game victory since the 1991 Copper Bowl. Under the leadership of Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have risen above historical challenges, showcasing their dominance over the past two seasons.
The Hoosiers are headed to the Peach Bowl on Jan. 9 for a CFP semifinal rematch with fifth-seeded Oregon, which routed Texas Tech 23-0 earlier Thursday in the Orange Bowl.Indiana beat the then-No. 3 Ducks 30-20 in Eugene last October in one of Cignetti’s most impressive Big Ten victories.
Indiana is two wins away from the first national championship in school history after becoming the first team to advance following a first-round bye in the current 12-team playoff format. The first six bye teams — including the first two this season — couldn’t come back strong from an extra-long layoff, but the Hoosiers took care of business while improving to 25-2 under Cignetti.
The Crimson Tide’s second season under Kalen DeBoer ended in the same venue as their final season under Nick Saban two years ago. Alabama was outclassed one week after an impressive road win over Oklahoma, managing just 151 yards before the meaningless final minutes of this blowout.
Ty Simpson passed for 67 yards before backup Austin Mack replaced him in the third quarter. Mack immediately got the Tide rolling on a 65-yard drive leading to a short field goal, but the Hoosiers responded with two unstoppable TD drives.
Indiana dominated the famous Rose Bowl turf, which stayed pristine despite nearly 24 hours of steady rain before kickoff. The storms dissipated while the Hoosiers took their first-half lead, and blue skies appeared in the second half.
After the first scoreless first quarter in a Rose Bowl in 26 years, Indiana’s second drive stretched 84 yards and 16 plays over nearly nine minutes before Nicolas Radicic’s 31-yard field goal on the first snap of the second quarter.
Indiana’s defense then stopped Alabama on fourth and 1 at the Tide 34, and Mendoza fired a long, high pass to the leaping Becker four plays later for a 21-yard touchdown.
Simpson fumbled in Indiana territory after a courageous first-down scramble late in the first half, and the Hoosiers methodically drove for Mendoza’s 1-yard TD pass with 17 seconds left to Cooper, the hero of Indiana’s dramatic victory over Penn State.
After halftime, Mendoza led a steady 79-yard drive ending in his 24-yard TD pass to the leaping Sarratt.
The victory is the latest step in the monumental two-season turnaround of what was the losingest program in college football when Cignetti took charge. After winning 11 games and reaching the CFP last season, the Hoosiers steamrolled through their schedule this fall before beating defending national champion Ohio State for the Big Ten title and ascending to the No. 1 spot in the AP Top 25 for the first time.
TAKEAWAYS
Alabama: It was remarkable to see the most successful program of the 21st century get dominated up front. The Tide’s inability to run the ball was a season-long problem, but it was particularly painful in Pasadena. Whether through personnel or scheme, DeBoer’s offense must take a step forward next year to reach the standard expected at Bama.
Indiana: The Hoosiers acted like they’ve been here before, even though they haven’t. Cignetti’s group has a businesslike demeanor that wasn’t remotely altered by Alabama’s reputation and history.
UP NEXT
Alabama: Host East Carolina on Sept. 5.
Indiana: A trip to Atlanta to face the powerhouse Ducks, who lost last season’s Rose Bowl to Ohio State as the No. 1 seed.
