Indiana (13-0) will face Alabama (11-3) in the Rose Bowl on January 1 at 4 PM EST. The opening line from BetMGM has Indiana favored by seven points. Against the spread, Indiana has an 8-5 record, while Alabama stands at 9-5.
In terms of offensive performance, Indiana ranks eighth in the FBS with an average of 472.8 yards per game. They pass for 251.6 yards (46th) and rush for 221.2 yards (10th), scoring an impressive 41.9 points per game, placing them fourth nationally. In contrast, Alabama ranks 76th overall with 380.1 yards per game, including 270.2 passing yards (23rd) and 109.9 rushing yards (120th), scoring 31.4 points per game (39th).
When it comes to defensive statistics, Indiana excels, allowing only 289.3 yards per game, ranking 13th in the FBS. They permit 168.7 passing yards (10th) and 120.6 rushing yards (30th), with opponents averaging 17.9 points against them (13th). Alabama, on the other hand, is 18th in the FBS for red zone defense, allowing 75.7% scoring efficiency.
Both teams display strong turnover margins; Indiana leads the FBS with a +17 turnover ratio, while Alabama ranks 18th at +8. They also keep penalties low, with Indiana averaging 28.5 penalty yards per game (4th), and Alabama at 41.9 yards (23rd).
In their last outings, Indiana narrowly defeated Ohio State 13-10 on December 6. Quarterback Mendoza threw for 222 yards on a 15-of-23 completion rate, adding one touchdown and one interception. Running back Kaelon Black contributed 69 rushing yards, while Charlie Becker recorded 126 receiving yards on six catches.
Alabama secured a 34-24 victory over Oklahoma on December 19. Quarterback Simpson amassed 232 passing yards on 18-of-29 attempts, tossing two touchdowns with no interceptions. Daniel Hill rushed for a touchdown, gaining 43 yards on nine carries, while Lotzeir Brooks caught five passes for 79 yards and two touchdowns.
