How bad was Alabama’s 38-3 loss to Indiana? History shows a stunning low point for the Tide

Alabama’s 38-3 loss to Indiana in the Rose Bowl wasn’t just a defeat, but a historical anomaly that highlighted how far the Crimson Tide fell on college football’s biggest stage.

The setback marked the worst margin of defeat for the Alabama Crimson Tide in more than two decades. No Alabama team in the past 20 seasons had lost by 30 points, a reflection of the standard established during Nick Saban’s tenure. For first-year coach Kalen DeBoer, it was the most one-sided loss of his time in Tuscaloosa and the program’s worst showing since a 42-6 defeat to Arkansas on Sept. 26, 1998.

Being held to three points placed Alabama in rare and uncomfortable territory. The Tide had not failed to score a touchdown since the 9-6 overtime loss to LSU in the 2011 “Game of the Century.” More recently, a 24-3 loss at Oklahoma in 2024 ended a long touchdown streak, but the Rose Bowl result went even further. The 35-point margin surpassed the 44-16 loss to Clemson in the 2018 national championship game as the program’s most jarring modern-era defeat.

Indiana stunned Alabama on the big stage 

Indiana left no doubt it belonged. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza delivered one of the most efficient post-Heisman performances in recent memory, completing 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns as the Hoosiers controlled the game from start to finish.

The outcome also intensified scrutiny on DeBoer after a week spent deflecting rumors about the Michigan opening. He now heads into the offseason facing questions about Alabama’s direction.

For Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers, the night was historic. Indiana secured its record 14th win, captured a Rose Bowl victory and advanced to face the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff semifinal, while Alabama’s championship wait continues

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