3 bold predictions for Alabama’s Rose Bowl clash with Indiana

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3 bold predictions for Alabama’s Rose Bowl clash with Indiana

The Alabama Crimson Tide will face the Indiana Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl on Thursday afternoon.

The Tide enter the matchup as healthy as they have been all season, and Alabama will look to pick up right where they left off against the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman.

Defense will more than likely play a crucial role for both sides, but the Tide will need to limit Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza to the best of their ability. Ty Simpson was nothing short of elite against Oklahoma, and the Alabama offense as a whole will look to start strong and fast against the No. 1 team in the nation. 

Here are three bold takes for the Tide’s clash with the Hoosiers in the Rose Bowl.

Ty Simpson throws for 230+ yards and two touchdowns 

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Simpson looked like a completely different quarterback in the second half of Alabama’s first round matchup. The former Heisman contender could quickly find himself thriving once again, as the star quarterback has proven to shine in the spotlight on a number of occasions. Germie Bernard and Lotzeir Brooks should see a large workload again as well, and Simpson will look to put on a show for the second game in a row. 

The Alabama defense thrives against Mendoza and the Hoosiers’ offense

Nov 8, 2025; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Louisiana State Tigers quarterback Michael van Buren Jr. (11) scrambles with the ball defended by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Lt Overton (22) during the fourth quarter of the game at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Leong-Imagn Images

The Alabama defense has been widely regarded as a top unit in the entire country for the majority of the 2025 season. Star defensive lineman LT Overton will return to action in Pasadena, as his presence will instantly add a major boost to the Tide’s defense as a whole. The unit was relentless during the second half of play in round one, and Alabama will need to reach that level of play once again on Thursday afternoon. 

Jam Miller rushes for 100+ yards and a touchdown

Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Jam Miller (26) runs against Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kamari Lassiter (3) in the fourth quarter of the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Tide’s run game has been extremely underwhelming for the majority of 2025. Miller will have an excellent chance to shine against a banged up Indiana defensive line, and the star running back could quickly find himself playing at an elite level during Thursday afternoon’s contest. Both Miller and the Alabama offense as a whole will need to step up their game against the Hoosiers, and Miller could quickly find himself with a large workload throughout the matchup. 

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama football CFP bold predictions vs. Indiana in Rose Bowl

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