Indiana seals Rose Bowl win, advances to CFP semifinals
Indiana's Fernando Mendoza threw for three touchdowns as the Hoosiers defeated Alabama in the Rose Bowl, earning a berth in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Overview
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza orchestrated a decisive Rose Bowl performance, throwing for three touchdowns and guiding the Hoosiers to a 38-3 win over top-ranked Alabama.
Receiver touchdowns by Charlie Becker, Omar Cooper Jr., and Elijah Sarratt highlighted Indiana's aerial and ground attack, contributing to a dominant performance after a rain-delayed kickoff.
The win advances Indiana to the CFP semifinals, setting up a rematch with Oregon in the Peach Bowl as part of the 12-team playoff format.
Indiana's defense stifled Alabama, limiting the Crimson Tide to minimal yardage and forcing critical stops, including a fourth-and-1 stop late in the game.
Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti has overseen a two-season turnaround, guiding Indiana to its first Rose Bowl win since 1968 and a path toward a potential national title.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing Indiana's historic victory and the team's remarkable turnaround under Coach Cignetti. The narrative highlights Indiana's dominance and strategic prowess, using terms like "roaring," "dominating," and "jubilant" to convey triumph. Alabama's struggles are noted, but the focus remains on Indiana's achievements, creating a celebratory tone around their success.
Sources (5)
FAQ
Indiana defeated Alabama 38-3. Quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw for 192 yards and three touchdowns to Charlie Becker, Omar Cooper Jr., and Elijah Sarratt. Indiana outgained Alabama 407-193 yards.
Fernando Mendoza is Indiana's quarterback who threw three touchdown passes in the Rose Bowl. He won his school's first Heisman Trophy prior to the game.
Indiana advances to the Peach Bowl semifinal for a rematch against Oregon as part of the 12-team College Football Playoff format.
Indiana's defense throttled Alabama, limiting them to 193 yards, forcing a key fumble by QB Ty Simpson, and making a critical fourth-and-1 stop late in the game.
Curt Cignetti is Indiana's head coach who has led a two-season turnaround, achieving the team's first Rose Bowl win since 1968 and advancing to the CFP semifinals with a 14-0 record.
History
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