STOPPED: Alabama’s Rushing Game PROBLEMS—Indiana's Fernando Mendoza Gives Hoosiers Matchup EDGE

Alabama storms back to shock Oklahoma, but ongoing struggles with its rushing attack casts doubt on their Rose Bowl chances against Indiana. Can Ty Simpson and Ryan Williams deliver against a Hoosiers defense that has shut down run games all season—and will Alabama find ways to stay ahead of the chains when it matters most?

Brian Smith breaks down standout performances from Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman-winning quarterback leading Indiana’s balanced offense, and evaluates the challenges presented by Indiana’s elite run game and stifling defense. Key topics include Bama’s red zone woes, the potential for explosive plays, injury updates for critical players like LT Overton, and tactical keys for both squads. With Indiana favored and Bama’s rushing game ranked among the nation’s worst, this analysis spotlights whether Alabama can overcome its toughest test yet—or if the Hoosiers’ ground dominance will rule the Rose Bowl.

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