In an upcoming College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban expressed concern about his team’s ability to contend with the imposing defense of Indiana. After Indiana’s impressive 13-10 victory over defending national champions Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship game, Saban recognized the Hoosiers’ physical style of play, which he found surprising.
Saban emphasized that Indiana’s defense presented a challenge for Alabama, particularly due to the Crimson Tide’s struggles in the run game. He stated, “I was so impressed with Indiana’s defense against Ohio State… if you make the game one-dimensional for (quarterback) Ty Simpson, that could be an issue.” The coach credited Indiana’s offensive capabilities, led by Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza and a strong group of receivers, for their ability to score and maintain balance in their gameplay.
Throughout the season, Alabama (11-3) has faced difficulties against top run defenses, evident in their losses to Oklahoma and Georgia, where they managed only a combined total of 77 rushing yards. Currently, Alabama ranks near the bottom of the SEC in rushing offense, averaging just 109.93 yards per game, a stark contrast to their usual dominance on the ground.
In their first-round Playoff matchup on December 19 against Oklahoma, the Crimson Tide emerged victorious, but not without struggle. Rushing for only 28 yards on 25 carries, they relied heavily on Simpson’s performance to secure the win. With the Hoosiers boasting the nation’s third-best run defense, allowing just 77.62 yards per game, Saban indicated that Simpson’s next performance would be critical for Alabama’s chances in this high-stakes game.
As both teams prepare to clash, the spotlight will be on how Alabama adapts to counteract Indiana’s formidable defense, presenting an exciting matchup for college football fans.