Fernando Mendoza, Indiana Stun CFB Fans with Dominant Rose Bowl Win vs. Alabama in CFP

Fernando Mendoza put together another efficient performance as No. 1 Indiana secured a lopsided 38-3 victory over No. 9 Alabama in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl on Thursday.

Mendoza finished 14-of-16 for 192 yards and three touchdowns without committing a turnover. The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner also rushed for 16 yards.

Fans and pundits were amazed by the dominance of Mendoza and the rest of head coach Curt Cignetti's squad.

After a scoreless first quarter, Indiana took a 10-0 lead early in the second. The Crimson Tide responded by driving into Hoosier territory, but a fumble from Ty Simpson helped set up Indiana to gain a 17-0 edge heading into halftime.

Alabama was never able to recover offensively, as the Hoosiers cruised to the 35-point win.

Simpson finished 12-of-16 for 67 yards. He was replaced by backup Austin Mack in the third quarter after suffering an apparent injury in the first half.

Mack went 11-of-16 for 103 yards.

Indiana's defense thrived throughout the game, as Alabama picked up a mere 193 total yards and 11 first downs. The Crimson Tide also converted just three of their 11 opportunities on third down.

The Hoosiers amassed 407 total yards in the meantime, with 215 coming on the ground.

Kaelon Black led Indiana's rushing attack with 99 yards and one touchdown on 15 carries, while Roman Hemby chipped in with 89 yards and a score.

Indiana continued its perfect season with the win, improving to 14-0. The Hoosiers' success is especially impressive considering they owned a 9-27 record in the three years prior to Cignetti's arrival.

Indiana will now face No. 5 Oregon in a CFP semifinal clash.