Alabama advanced after defeating No. 8 Oklahoma 34–24 in the CFP First Round on Friday, overcoming a 17–0 deficit with 27 unanswered points. The matchup coincides with the 137th Rose Parade, which begins at 8 a.m. in Pasadena on the same day.
The Game
The College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential will kick off at 1 p.m., one hour earlier than traditionally.
Indiana (13–0), the Big Ten champion and No. 1 overall seed, is led by head coach Curt Cignetti and quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner. Alabama (11–3), an SEC at–large qualifier, is led by head coach Kalen DeBoer. Quarterback Ty Simpson completed 18 of 29 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Oklahoma.
The winner will advance to the CFP Semifinal at the Chick–fil–A Peach Bowl on Jan. 9. ESPN will broadcast the game.
Indiana, as the higher seed, will likely occupy the home bench on the west sideline. Specific jersey assignments remain to be determined under CFP protocol.
DeBoer said after the Oklahoma win: “The key moments were what set this team apart from previous years. Our guys stepped up when it mattered most and made significant plays. The players breathe life into our efforts, and they certainly did that tonight.”
Upon receiving the ceremonial rose, he added: “Roll Tide!”
In a late Friday night email, the Rose Bowl Stadium said ticket information is available online by clicking here or by calling (626) 585-6800.
Get our daily Pasadena newspaper in your email box. Free.
Get all the latest Pasadena news, more than 10 fresh stories daily, 7 days a week at 7 a.m.
