The Hoosiers’ Defense Needs To Play To Their Strengths To Win Rose Bowl
All season long the Hoosiers’ defense has ranked amongst the best in college football; they sit at #4 in Total Defense. Fresh off their toughest test against Ohio State’s high-powered offense, they face another challenge against a fired-up Alabama team in the Rose Bowl. In order to come out on top, the Hoosiers are going to need to lean on their strengths as a defense.
Indiana Turns Extended Break Into Advantage Before Rose Bowl
Indiana football has embraced its extended break ahead of the Rose Bowl, using the extra time to heal, sharpen execution, and dissect Alabama on film. Offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan believes the Hoosiers’ preparation, experience, and daily competition have them ready for a CFP Quarterfinal showdown.
Cignetti, DeBoer, Reflect on Their Time at Indiana and Alabama Ahead of Rose Bowl Matchup
If you told an Indiana fan in 2019 that Kalen Deboer and the Hoosiers would be playing in the 2025 Rose Bowl, their first response would likely be, “what happened to Tom Allen?” Imagine their shock when they learn that their offensive coordinator won’t be leading the Hoosiers onto the field but rather will be wearing a different shade of crimson as Nick Saban’s replacement at Alabama. Depending on their level of surprise, you might not want to mention that a little-known FCS coach named Curt Cignetti has completely changed the culture in Bloomington and that the Hoosiers are actually favored over the Crimson Tide. That would probably be too much for the LEO-era brain to comprehend.