Rose Bowl: #1 Indiana Hoosiers (13-0) vs #9 Alabama Crimson Tide (10-3)
Get pumped for a historic College Football Playoff quarterfinal as the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers (13-0) square off against the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide (10-3) in the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. Kickoff is set for Thursday, January 1, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CT (4:00 p.m. ET), and there's no finer spot to witness this clash of titans than on the largest video wall in San Angelo at Arc Light Sports Bar & Grill! With a semifinal berth hanging in the balance and the "Granddaddy of Them All" living up to its name—this marks Indiana's first-ever Rose Bowl appearance and Alabama's eighth—the game promises non-stop action between the undefeated Big Ten champs and the battle-hardened SEC powerhouse. The Hoosiers are favored by 7 points, but Alabama's pedigree could make this a classic upset bid.
Alabama's talent is easy to see from watching film, but it's another thing to experience actually playing against a roster that features nine former five-star recruits in the starting lineup.
Former Wisconsin tight end Riley Nowakowski is one of the few players on Indiana football's team this season that has experienced the real thing. Nowakowski, who faced Alabama during his time with the Badgers, has shared insights from that matchup, emphasizing the Crimson Tide's physicality and speed—lessons he's imparted to his Hoosier teammates as they prepare for a "dominant" defense coordinated by familiar face Kane Wommack. Indiana's film study reinforces that 'Bama is still Bama' on D, ranking in the top 15 nationally with a unit that's allowed just 19.2 points per game while generating pressure up front.
The top-seeded Hoosiers, fresh off a first-round bye after a perfect regular season and Big Ten title, have been the surprise story of college football, blending a potent offense (averaging 38.5 points per game) with a stingy defense that's held opponents to 13.8 points. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke—a Heisman contender with 3,200+ yards, 27 TDs, and only 4 INTs—leads an attack featuring running backs Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton (combined 1,800+ rushing yards) and wideout Elijah Sarratt. Defensively, Indiana's front seven, anchored by Mikail Kamara and Lanell Carr Jr., ranks top-5 in sacks (45) and run defense, setting up a clash with Alabama's explosive playmakers. But injuries could factor in: The Hoosiers are monitoring WR Omar Cooper Jr., PK Brendan Franke, LB Amari Kamara, and others like WR Tyler Morris, DB Bryson Bonds, DL Kellan Wyatt, and RB Lee Beebe, some of whom are out for the season or questionable.
Alabama, advancing after a 24-17 first-round grind over Clemson, brings championship experience under head coach Kalen DeBoer. QB Jalen Milroe (2,800+ passing yards, 20 TDs; 700+ rushing yards) headlines an offense with RB Jam Miller (now 100% healthy after a leg issue) and WR Ryan Williams, but the Tide's defense—led by LBs Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell—will test Indiana's line. Key injuries include DL Tim Keenan III and LT Overton (both questionable after the Oklahoma game), RB Kevin Riley, WR Derek Meadows, TE Danny Lewis Jr., and WR Jalen Hale, potentially weakening their depth in the trenches.
Pivotal matchups include Indiana's rushing attack—a key indicator of their success—versus Alabama's front, where the Hoosiers' ability to establish the ground game could open play-action for Rourke. On the flip side, can Indiana's secondary contain Milroe's dual-threat wizardry and Williams' big-play potential? Alabama's top-3 offensive and defensive units will challenge Indiana's run defense, but the Hoosiers' sharpness after a long layoff (with lighter early practices to recover) could be the difference.
Our prediction: Indiana maintains their Cinderella run, pulling out a 31-24 victory behind Rourke's efficiency and a late defensive stand, advancing to the semis as ESPN gives them a 71.4% win probability. But if Alabama's stars shine in Pasadena, this could flip to a Tide triumph—don't overcomplicate it; talent meets momentum in a must-see battle.
Skip the home setup and head to Arc Light Sports Bar & Grill in San Angelo for the ultimate viewing party, where you can catch every petal-falling moment on our huge video wall amid cheers from fellow fans. Indulge in cold brews, creative cocktails, and game-day favorites like loaded nachos, juicy burgers, and fiery wings that'll keep the energy high. Whether you're backing the unbeaten Hoosiers, rolling with the Tide, or just craving playoff thrills, this is your go-to spot. Doors open early—bring your crew and let's make it epic!
On special is our Arc Light Smash Burger -- 1/2 pound of delicious 2-patties of burger and fresh-cut fries. Here are even more specials you can enjoy while watching the Tide Roll (because, really, who from here is for those yankees from Indiana?)
