Hey look, Alabama is playing in the Rose Bowl! Against the #1 team in the country. It’s a big deal! As such, the editorial staff here at RBR got together to give you all of our best opinions. Enjoy!
1) The attitude around here has really changed after Kalen DeBoer picked up his first playoff win with Alabama. Do you think that Alabama made legitimate improvement between the SEC Championship and the first round of the playoffs, or was it just a function of Oklahoma being a significantly lesser opponent
than Georgia?
Josh: Some of both. Georgia has to be considered one of the favorites after the Texas and Alabama games, if not the favorite. But, Alabama’s offense managed to put on a show for two quarters against one of the nation’s best defenses in Norman. Those two quarters were enough to beat the Sooners, but if Alabama is to win any more games this season, four quarters of good play will be required.
CB969: Admittedly, I was rather pessimistic going into the Oklahoma game. I don’t know if Alabama has “improved” per se. Rather, they have gotten back to what they were in the first half of the season. Being healthy and motivated propelled the Crimson Tide to victory in the first round. With 13 days to prep for this next round, the health of the team should continue to be an asset. The real question is if they stay motivated.
Brent: I don’t think so. This is and has been the same team all year – even the FSU loss. They muck things up for both teams and force them into drawn out mudfights that wind up coming down to who makes the most of turnovers. In their losses – they lost the key play battle. In their wins, they haven’t. This team can beat anyone, but they also play on a razor’s edge. I wouldn’t call it sustainable, but can they sustain it for 3 more games? It’s possible.
2) Indiana is now in year two of playing with the big boys. Do you believe they’re a legitimate program yet?
Josh: They are a legitimate team, for sure. But, they built this team with 22 transfer players including several key starters. They hit the jackpot with QB Fernando Mendoza, C Pat Coogan and others, but we’ve seen some extreme volatility from programs that build on short term rentals. Time will tell whether Curt Cignetti has found the secret sauce or if they just landed the right dudes this season.
CB969: I do believe Indiana is a legitimate program… this year. Going undefeated is no small task. On the other side of the coin, the Hoosiers are slam packed with upperclassmen who will likely be gone after this season and/or the next. Winning is difficult. Winning again is even harder.
Brent: Absolutely. I don’t really know HOW they managed it, but taking down Ohio State and Oregon this year was a big deal. They play with incredible consistency and discipline, which is a testament to them as a whole. Will they sustain it? I’m not totally sure. Nothing particularly says they won’t necessarily, but it’s a bit hard to believe they’ll change after a century of being who they are.
3) Alabama is a 6.5 point underdog in the Rose Bowl according to the FanDuel sportsbook. Do you think the Tide springs the upset?
Josh: I hate making predictions. The only thing that would surprise me is a blowout in either direction, as both defenses are stout. Based on recruiting rankings out of high school, Alabama should be favored by a couple of scores, but this Indiana team has punched well above its weight in that regard all season. I’m going to make a homer (hoper?) pick and say that Alabama’s talent jelled enough, and got healthy enough, over the past few weeks to get it done. But it isn’t going to be easy.
CB969: I wish I had an easy answer here. As mentioned above, the Tide should be as healthy as they have been at any point in this season. The most vital aspects are whether Alabama can stay focused and pisst off. If they can, you have to like Bama’s chances. As for the point spread (and removing my Gump hat while I say this), 6.5 seems too high. I would no doubt take the points.
Brent: With Alabama’s penchant for making every game a 24-20 contest, I’d definitely put money on the Tide covering that spread. Would I put money on them straight up winning? Nope. My heart is hopeful, and my brain says there are a lot of things pointing toward the Tide having just as good of a shot at winning as they have losing…. But my soul wants to protect myself and say that we should still expect a Hoosier victory.
4) If the Tide winds up losing this one, do you consider this a successful year 2 with Coach DeBoer, or should we have expected more?
Josh: Yes. Had Alabama been blown out in Norman, and they appeared to be well on their way to doing just that, my perspective would be much different. But they made the CFP, and validated that selection with a ten point win on the road. Should they no show on Thursday I may feel differently, but I don’t expect that.
CB969: Yes. Even with a Bama loss to Indy, I consider this a successful Year 2, BUT I also expected more. The loss to FSU was troublesome and disappointing. But, the Tide impressively rebounded. Then, a bit of a lull came that did not abate until this past game versus Oklahoma. 11 wins is nothing to take for granted. However, the talent is there for Alabama to be a top 4 team. Kalen DeBoer needs to find a way to eliminate letdown games before I can crown him as an elite coach.
Brent: Absolutely. Alabama beat Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia, and LSU, made the SEC Championship, made the playoffs, and won in the first round, avenging their earlier loss. Considering how much this team lost after 2023 and how DeBoer kept them from doomspiraling and improved from year 1 to year 2, you can’t ask for much more. Do I have concerns about the offense as constructed? Absolutely. But as a whole, I am happy with DeBoer and the job he has done.
5) Who wins the other three playoff games? (Miami/anOSU, Oregon/TTU, Ole Miss/UGA)
Josh: I don’t see Carson Beck getting anything done against Ohio State. Rueben Bain Jr. will undoubtedly cause problems for young Julian Sayin, but it’s hard to imagine Miami scoring much. I’ll take Ohio State, and Georgia should handle Ole Miss. Oregon vs Texas Tech will be interesting. Tech’s defense is obviously legit, so that one may come down to just how “elite” Donte Moore can be. I’m leaning toward the Red Raiders in that one.
CB969: My picks: anOSU, Texa$ Tech, UGA.
Brent: I went away from chalk with this one before the playoffs, and I’m going to stick to it: I think Miami upsets Ohio State. I just don’t buy the Buckeyes. Haven’t all year. Past that, I picked Texas Tech and UGA.
