'I don't think he's going to flinch at all' – Prominent college football analyst predicts final score of Alabama vs Indiana
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The Alabama Crimson Tide will take on the Indiana Hoosiers on New Year’s Day in the Rose Bowl, which serves as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game this season.
Alabama is the only team in the playoff with three losses, while Indiana is the only undefeated team.
This will be the first ever meeting between Alabama and Indiana.
Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt predicts final score of Alabama vs Indiana
Fox Sports national college football analyst Joel Klatt made his predictions on Monday for the second round of the College Football Playoff, and he has Alabama’s season ending in the Rose Bowl.
A big reason why Klatt likes the Hoosiers in this game is because of his belief in Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, this year’s Heisman Trophy winner.
“Mendoza is a much better quarterback than (Oklahoma QB) John Mateer,” said Klatt. “Mateer really struggled in that game (against Alabama in the first round of the playoff). He was not on time. He did not throw the football well. He gave a couple of freebies to Alabama. Mendoza is battle tested. He has faced great defenses. He’s been behind on the road in the fourth quarter. I don’t think he’s going to flinch at all.
“This is an (Indiana) offense that did not do a lot against Ohio State, but when they needed it, they were great in the second half — and in particular in the fourth quarter. So listen, the six and a half (spread) is a lot. I think this is a close game. I think Indiana wins a very close game. I think there’s going to be some turnovers with the moisture. Indiana wins this one 24 to 21. So Bama is going to cover the six and a half…and Indiana wins this game 24 to 21. I like Indiana to win it in a close one, probably a classic.”
Indiana and Alabama will kick off at 4:00 PM ET on Jan. 1.
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This story was originally published by A to Z Sports on Dec 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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