Top‑seeded Indiana Hoosiers delivered one of the most emphatic performances in College Football Playoff history, dismantling No. 9 Alabama 38–3 in the Rose Bowl quarterfinal on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, California.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw three touchdowns, while the Hoosiers’ defense suffocated the Crimson Tide, handing Alabama its worst defeat since 1998. The win marks Indiana’s first bowl victory since the 1991 Copper Bowl and propels them into their first‑ever CFP semifinal.
⚡ How It Happened
- Indiana led 17–0 at halftime, capped by Mendoza’s 1‑yard strike to Omar Cooper Jr. just before the break.
- The Hoosiers scored touchdowns on four consecutive drives, stretching the lead to 38–3.
- Roman Hemby added an 18‑yard rushing score in the fourth quarter to seal the rout.
- Alabama managed only a field goal, overwhelmed by Indiana’s relentless defense.
📊 Historic Blowout
Indiana’s 35‑point margin ties for the fourth‑largest blowout in CFP history and sets a new record for the 12‑team playoff era, surpassing Penn State’s 28‑point win over SMU last season.
Top 10 Biggest CFP Blowouts:
- Georgia 65–7 TCU (58 pts, 2023 Championship)
- Oregon 59–20 Florida State (39 pts, 2015 Rose Bowl)
- Alabama 38–0 Michigan State (38 pts, 2016 Cotton Bowl)
T‑4. Indiana 38–3 Alabama (35 pts, 2026 Rose Bowl)
T‑4. LSU 63–28 Oklahoma (35 pts, 2020 Peach Bowl) - Clemson 31–0 Ohio State (31 pts, 2017 Fiesta Bowl)
T‑7. Penn State 38–10 SMU (28 pts, 2025 First Round)
T‑7. Clemson 44–16 Alabama (28 pts, 2019 Championship)
T‑7. Alabama 52–24 Ohio State (28 pts, 2021 Championship) - Clemson 30–3 Notre Dame (27 pts, 2019 Cotton Bowl)
🏆 What’s Next
Indiana now heads to Atlanta for the Peach Bowl semifinal on Jan. 9, where they’ll face No. 5 Oregon — a team they’ve already beaten once this season.
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