No. 1 Indiana Steamrolls No. 9 Alabama in Rose Bowl, Books Playoff Semis Date

From Pasadena With Dominance

PASADENA, Calif. — The granddaddy of them all turned into a one-sided showcase Saturday night as top-ranked Indiana bulldozed No. 9 Alabama 45-16 in the Rose Bowl, punching the program’s first-ever ticket to the College Football Playoff semifinals.

First Quarter Blitz

Less than four minutes had ticked off the game clock when Indiana quarterback Cade Klubnik dropped a 54-yard dime to wideout Javon Brazil, setting the tone for an evening that would belong entirely to the Hoosiers. By the end of the first quarter, Indiana led 21-0; by halftime, the Crimson Tide had managed only 97 yards of total offense and a lone field goal.

"We came here to make a statement," Klubnik said afterward, cradling the Rose Bowl MVP trophy. "Mission accomplished."

Ground Game Grinds Bama Down

Indiana’s offensive line, averaging 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds across the front, manhandled Alabama’s touted front seven. The Hoosiers piled up 312 rushing yards, paced by tailback Kaelon Black’s 167 and three touchdowns on 24 carries. Every time Alabama stacked the box, Klubnik burned them over the top; when the Tide dropped into coverage, Black gashed them inside.

Defensive Statement

Defensively, Indiana forced three turnovers, sacked Alabama QB Jaylen Ray three times, and held the Tide to 4-of-15 on third down. The Hoosiers’ lone hiccup—a 72-yard screen-pass touchdown early in the fourth—felt cosmetic once the scoreboard read 38-9.

Historic Implications

The win vaults Indiana (13-0) into the national semifinal against No. 4 Washington in Atlanta on New Year’s Eve. Alabama closes the season 10-4, its streak of three straight CFP appearances snapped emphatically.

• Indiana’s 29-point margin is the largest in Rose Bowl history for a No. 1 vs. No. 9 matchup.
• Klubnik finished 19-for-26 for 312 yards and four touchdowns, zero interceptions.
• The Hoosiers have now won 18 consecutive games dating back to last season.

What’s Next

While Nick Saban’s squad heads into an offseason of quarterback questions, Indiana prepares for its first CFP semifinal in program history. Oddsmakers opened the Hoosiers as 3.5-point favorites over Washington, a line that could swell after Saturday’s statement in Pasadena.