A come-from-behind win over Oklahoma two weeks ago in Norman earned Alabama the opportunity to battle No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl. The Hoosiers come in undefeated and significant favorites, but the Crimson Tide is battle-tested and as healthy as they have been all season.
Alabama's injury report no longer features the likes of LT Overton, Josh Cuevas, Jam Miller, or Kevin Riley. They are all good to go and will help the Crimson Tide look a lot more like the team we saw in late September and October than the one that limped toward the finish line.
That doesn't mean it will be enough to swing the pendulum in their favor, however. Curt Cignetii's team is ranked No. 1 for a reason, and contrary to what you might believe, they are also battle-tested, earning wins over Oregon, Iowa, and Ohio State. The Hoosiers are a worthy No. 1.
The national media has provided plenty of extra motivation for Alabama in the lead-up to this game. Many aren't giving Kalen DeBoer and his team a chance to spring the upset in Pasadena. But that's why we play the games, folks.
If Alabama plays to its capabilities, it is plenty good enough to get the job done. And contrary to what Joel Klatt and others might want to believe, it wouldn't be a significant upset.
Betting odds for Alabama vs. Indiana in the Rose Bowl CFP Quarterfinal
Odds courtesy of FanDuel as of 6am ET on Thursday.
Spread: Alabama +7.5
Over/Under: 47.5
Moneyline: Alabama +215/Indiana -260
Predictions from the Bama Hammer Team
Alabama is the biggest underdog in a game it has been since the 2021 SEC Championship Game. Let's hope history repeats itself. The Crimson Tide was a touchdown underdog to Georgia in that game before knocking off Kirby Smart's Bulldogs 41-24 to clinch a playoff berth.
It will take Alabama's best effort to get the job done. Indiana is solid on all fronts and refuses to beat itself. The Hoosiers limit the mistakes and force you to beat them. They aren't going to beat themselves. And so far in 2025, nobody has cracked the code.
But Alabama might have the offense that can put Indiana's stout defense in conflict. And Ty Simpson is an elite quarterback who, if given time, has the ability to pick the Hoosiers apart.
Picks:
John Mitchell: Alabama 20, Indiana 17
Josh Yourish: Indiana 35, Alabama 28
Ron Evans: Alabama 20, Indiana 17
Dominic Giacobazzi: Alabama 32, Indiana 28