PASADENA, Calif. — A remarkable performance by the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers led them to a decisive 38-3 victory over No. 9 Alabama in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Rose Bowl on Thursday. With this impressive win, Indiana secured a place in the CFP semifinals and will face No. 5 Oregon at the Peach Bowl next week, a step closer to vying for the national championship.

Indiana’s triumph marks a historic moment, making it the first team in the newly introduced 12-team CFP format to win a quarterfinal match after earning a first-round bye. Prior to this, teams benefiting from a bye had a dismal record of 0-6 in such situations. The Hoosiers’ success underscores their emergence as a powerhouse in college football this season.

Head coach Curt Cignetti etched his name in the record books as just the second coach in FBS history to secure at least 25 wins in his first two seasons at a program. Notably, he joins Kalen DeBoer, the current Alabama head coach, who achieved a similar milestone at Washington before taking charge of the Crimson Tide following Nick Saban’s departure.

This victory also signifies the third consecutive year that the Big Ten Conference will have a representative in the national championship game. Michigan previously claimed the title in 2023, while Ohio State triumphed over Notre Dame last year in the inaugural 12-team playoff.

Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza displayed exceptional skill, completing 14 of 16 passes for 194 yards and three touchdowns. In stark contrast, Alabama’s quarterback Ty Simpson, who left the game in the third quarter, managed only 67 yards on 12 completions before being substituted by Austin Mack. Mack, who followed DeBoer from Washington to Alabama, was unable to turn the tide for the Crimson Tide.

Friday’s loss marked a significant low point for Alabama, their worst defeat since 2000. The Crimson Tide’s previous worst loss was a 28-point setback against Clemson in the 2018 national title game. With this loss, Alabama has now entered its fifth consecutive season without securing a championship, following a dominant stretch of six titles in 12 years under Saban.

Indiana’s victory not only showcased their ability to compete at the highest level but also improved their season record to 14-0, the most wins in program history. The Hoosiers surpassed Alabama in total rushing yards, amassing 215 yards compared to the Crimson Tide’s 193. This win also marks the first Rose Bowl victory for Indiana, which has a history of playoff struggles that they have now begun to overcome.

The upcoming matchup with Oregon will be a historic semifinal, as it represents the first instance of two teams from the same conference facing off in this stage of the playoffs. As anticipation builds for this rematch, Indiana is focused on extending its impressive run and continuing to make history in the world of college football.