IU football: Three quick reasons the Hoosiers beat Alabama, highlights, stats

PASADENA, Calif. — Indiana defeated Alabama in the CFP quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl by a final score of 38-3.

The Hoosiers won their first bowl game since 1991, and advanced to the CFP national semifinals where they’ll face Oregon at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta.

Below are three quick reasons why the Hoosiers won, along with highlights and final stats.

This story will be updated. Stay tuned for more coverage of the game from The Daily Hoosier.

——————————————————

Three quick reasons why Indiana won

1. Indiana runs it down Alabama’s throat. Could Indiana run the football against Alabama’s size and speed? You bet they could. Before adjusting for sack yards, IU ran for 237 yards and 5.0 yards per carry. Kaelon Black had 15 carries for 99 yards and a score, while Roman Hemby posted 18 carries for 89 yards and a score. The Hoosiers were able to stay ahead of the chains and that helped lead to nine conversions on 14 third down attempts. They had a nine minute edge in time of possession, and 22 first downs. The running game was so good the offensive line was collectively named the players of the game.

2. Defense dominant once again. There were concerns about Indiana’s defense after losing national tackles for loss leader Stephen Daley to injury. But the Hoosiers kept Alabama out of the end zone, and held the Crimson Tide to just 193 total yards including just 23 rushing yards. D’Angelo Ponds and Aiden Fisher combined to force a fumble Isaiah Jones recovered. The Hoosiers had six tackles for loss and three sacks. Alabama was just 3 of 11 on third down, and 0 of 2 on fourth.

3. Mendoza no Heisman hangover. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti asked Fernando Mendoza to not try to do anything more than what he’s been doing all season after winning the Heisman Trophy. His quarterback responded with an efficient performance, completing 14 of 16 passes for 192 yards and three touchdowns. He found six different receivers for receptions, and three — Elijah Sarratt, Omar Cooper, Jr. and Charlie Becker — for scores. He also rushed for 38 yards after eliminating sack yards. Mendoza was sacked three times, including twice on the first drive, but he was never rattled.