{"id":31399,"date":"2026-01-01T10:17:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-01T14:17:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/what-time-does-alabama-play-today-kickoff-against-indiana-at-1-p-m-pt-reveals-why-crimson-tide-has-a-punchers-chance\/"},"modified":"2026-01-01T10:17:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-01T14:17:12","slug":"62564-what-time-does-alabama-play-today-kickoff-at-1-p-m-pt-for-rose-bowl-playoff-matc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/62564-what-time-does-alabama-play-today-kickoff-at-1-p-m-pt-for-rose-bowl-playoff-matc\/","title":{"rendered":"What time does Alabama play today? Kickoff against Indiana at 1 p.m. PT reveals why Crimson Tide has a puncher’s chance"},"content":{"rendered":"

What time does Alabama play today? The Crimson Tide kicks off against No. 1 Indiana at 1 p.m. PT<\/b> (4 p.m. ET) from the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California<\/b>. This College Football Playoff quarterfinal<\/b> features an undefeated Hoosiers team facing an Alabama squad fresh off a historic 34-point comeback.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Kickoff:<\/b> 1 p.m. PT \/ 4 p.m. ET on January 1, 2026<\/li>\n
  • Alabama<\/b> is 11-3<\/b> after defeating Oklahoma with the largest deficit overcome in CFP history (34 points)<\/li>\n
  • Indiana<\/b> remains undefeated at 13-0<\/b> as the No. 1 overall seed and championship favorite<\/li>\n
  • TV Channel:<\/b> ESPN exclusive broadcast from Rose Bowl Stadium<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Why Alabama Gets a Shot at History<\/h2>\n

    The Crimson Tide earned this College Football Playoff spot<\/b> with an extraordinary fourth-quarter performance against Oklahoma. Alabama trailed by 34 points<\/b> heading into the final quarter but fought back to claim one of the most improbable victories in playoff history.<\/p>\n

    Quarterback Ty Simpson leads the Crimson Tide offense<\/b>, which showed resilience and determination in that comeback. Alabama’s defense also stepped up<\/b> in critical moments, proving they belong in this playoff matchup despite their three losses.<\/p>\n

    Indiana’s Undefeated Dominance Faces Its Biggest Test<\/h2>\n

    The Hoosiers haven’t lost all season<\/b>, posting a perfect 13-0 record as the tournament’s top seed. Indiana is a 7-point favorite<\/b> heading into the Rose Bowl, with ESPN’s matchup predictor giving them a 71.4% chance to advance<\/b> to the semifinal round.<\/p>\n

    Quarterback Fernando Mendoza<\/b> guides an Indiana offense that has looked unstoppable. The Hoosiers received a bye<\/b> in the playoff format due to their top-four seeding, while Alabama earned its spot through the play-in rounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Category<\/td>\nAlabama<\/td>\nIndiana<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Record<\/td>\n11-3<\/td>\n13-0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Playoff Seeding<\/td>\nNo. 9<\/td>\nNo. 1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Key QB<\/td>\nTy Simpson<\/td>\nFernando Mendoza<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Head Coach<\/td>\nKalen DeBoer<\/td>\nCurt Cignetti<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    A First-Time Matchup on College Football’s Grandest Stage<\/h2>\n

    This marks the first-ever meeting between Alabama and Indiana<\/b> in what many call “the Granddaddy of them all.” The 112th Rose Bowl<\/b> takes on extra significance as a College Football Playoff quarterfinal rather than a traditional bowl game.<\/p>\n

    Indiana hasn’t played in the Rose Bowl since January 1, 1968<\/b>, making this appearance a historic moment for the program. Alabama owns an impressive Rose Bowl history<\/b>, having won five of its eight prior appearances in the iconic stadium.<\/p>\n

    \n“It’s a bucket list thing.” \u2014 Indiana fan describing the Rose Bowl return<\/b>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    \u2014 New York Times Athletic<\/b>, reflecting on historic significance<\/p>\n

    Key Storylines to Watch Today<\/h2>\n

    Alabama’s comeback momentum<\/b> provides a David-versus-Goliath narrative against the undefeated No. 1 seed. Can the Crimson Tide’s resilience translate into another historic win<\/b>, or does Indiana’s dominant season continue<\/b> to its logical championship conclusion?<\/p>\n

    The winner faces either Oregon or Texas Tech<\/b> in the College Football Playoff semifinal. For Indiana, victory puts them one step closer to an undefeated national championship. For Alabama, winning extends a remarkable tournament run.<\/p>\n

    How Can Alabama Pull Off Another Miracle Today?<\/h2>\n

    ESPN’s matchup predictor gives Alabama just a 28.6% chance<\/b> of winning, but the Tide proved they thrive in seemingly impossible situations. Defensive consistency and offensive execution in crucial moments<\/b> will determine Alabama’s fate against an Indiana team that hasn’t found weaknesses all season.<\/p>\n

    The Hoosiers control their own destiny<\/b> as the betting favorite. Staying focused and avoiding mistakes against a hungry Alabama squad represents Indiana’s biggest challenge today in Pasadena.<\/p>\n

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    Watch: Rose Bowl Preview<\/h3>\n