One of the most anticipated games of New Year’s Day features Indiana facing Alabama in the iconic Rose Bowl. This College Football Playoff quarterfinal pairs an undefeated No. 1 seed with college football’s most decorated postseason program.

Read more: College Football Schedule Jan. 1–2: Game Times, Previews, Where to Watch & Streaming Guidance

Where to Watch Indiana vs. Alabama
Where to Watch Indiana vs. Alabama

Indiana vs. Alabama: Game Information

  • Date: Thursday, January 1

  • Kickoff time: 4:00 p.m. ET

  • Bowl: Rose Bowl (CFP Quarterfinal)

  • Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California

  • TV channel: ESPN

This late-afternoon kickoff delivers the classic Rose Bowl setting, often considered college football’s most iconic stage.

Read more: 5 Free Ways to Watch College Football (NCAAF) Without Cable: A Complete Guide

Where to Watch Indiana vs. Alabama

Watch on TV

  • ESPN (national broadcast)

Stream the Game Live (Trusted Options)

Fans can stream the Rose Bowl through these official platforms:

Streaming tip: For CFP games, log in 10–15 minutes before kickoff. Peak traffic often causes short delays at game start.

Rose Bowl Setting: Why It’s Different

The Rose Bowl is played outdoors, often in mild Southern California weather. Conditions usually favor:

  • Balanced offensive play

  • Strong rushing attacks

  • Teams that manage clock and field position

The setting also brings extended pregame coverage and a longer halftime, adding to the pageantry.

Read more: Top 10 Best College Football Teams in the United States of All Time

Team Stats & Insights (Betting-Free Analysis)

Indiana: Stats & Tendencies

Season profile:

  • Unbeaten record entering the playoff

  • Strong efficiency on early downs

  • Defense limits explosive plays better than most national contenders

On-field identity:
Indiana thrives on balance. Offensively, the Hoosiers prefer long, methodical drives. Defensively, they rely on discipline and gap control rather than constant pressure.

Key insight:
Indiana’s best path is controlling tempo and keeping Alabama’s offense off the field. Sustained drives matter more than quick strikes.

Alabama: Stats & Tendencies

Season profile:

  • Among national leaders in defensive takeaways

  • Consistently strong red-zone defense

  • Extensive postseason experience across roster and staff

On-field identity:
Alabama remains built for playoff football. The Crimson Tide emphasize physicality, depth, and forcing opponents into mistakes under pressure.

Key insight:
When Alabama wins the turnover battle, it often dictates the entire game. Early defensive success could swing momentum quickly.

Key Matchups to Watch

  • Turnover margin: Alabama’s strength vs. Indiana’s ball security

  • Time of possession: Indiana wants long drives; Alabama prefers short fields

  • Second-half adjustments: Postseason experience often shows after halftime

Why This CFP Quarterfinal Matters

This game represents more than advancement to the semifinals. For Indiana, it’s a chance to validate a perfect season on the sport’s biggest traditional stage. For Alabama, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm its place among college football’s elite.

For neutral fans, this matchup blends tradition, stakes, and contrasting styles, making it one of the most compelling games of the playoff.

Quick Viewer Checklist

  • Kickoff: 4:00 p.m. ET

  • TV: ESPN

  • Streaming: ESPN App, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo

  • Venue: Rose Bowl Stadium (outdoor)

  • Best for: Fans who enjoy strategy, tradition, and playoff pressure

Bottom Line

Indiana vs. Alabama at the Rose Bowl is college football at its purest: history, high stakes, and national attention. With a prime kickoff time, wide streaming availability, and contrasting team identities, this CFP quarterfinal is must-watch viewing for New Year’s Day.