Alabama faces an identity crisis after Rose Bowl loss

Any lingering questions about Alabama’s identity were answered Thursday at the Rose Bowl.

This was not the Crimson Tide program that dominated college football for more than a decade under Nick Saban.

For a brief moment, Alabama looked familiar. The defense overwhelmed Indiana on the opening possession, recording two sacks of quarterback Fernando Mendoza and forcing a three-and-out. Quarterback Ty Simpson showed early mobility, extending plays with his legs and delivering throws on the move.

The facade quickly faded.

Indiana responded with a 16-play, 85-yard drive that mixed downhill runs with efficient short passes, taking a 3-0 lead and setting the tone. Alabama’s next possession ended with a failed fourth-down attempt, and the Hoosiers capitalized four plays later to extend the margin to 10-0.

A critical mistake before halftime pushed the game out of reach. Simpson’s late scramble ended with a fumble deep in Indiana territory, leading to another Hoosiers touchdown. Mendoza then found Omar Cooper Jr. in the corner of the end zone just before the break, giving Indiana a 17-0 halftime advantage.

The second half followed the same script. Indiana controlled the line of scrimmage, with Kaelon Black rushing for 99 yards and a touchdown and Roman Hemby adding 89 yards and another score. Mendoza was efficient and composed, completing 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns.

Alabama managed just 23 rushing yards. Simpson was later removed due to health concerns, and backup Austin Mack provided only a brief spark. A conservative decision to settle for a field goal late in the third quarter underscored the Tide’s struggles.

Indiana closed out a 38-3 victory, reaching the end zone five times and outgaining Alabama on the ground while dictating pace and physicality throughout.

It was more than a loss. It was a clear signal that the familiar Alabama formula of dominance up front, defensive intimidation and control no longer defines the program. What comes next remains uncertain.

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