The No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers delivered a commanding performance, annihilating the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide 38-3 in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on New Year’s Day at the Rose Bowl.
While the game remained scoreless through the first quarter, Indiana took complete control from the second quarter onward. The Hoosiers outscored Alabama 17-0 in the second quarter, setting the tone for the rest of the contest.
By the time the third quarter began, Alabama appeared “defeated,” according to ESPN color commentator Kirk Herbstreit. “It feels like Alabama, it’s just strange to see,” Herbstreit said. “They’re just existing. They’re just out there. Nobody is penetrating. Nobody is playing with any fire. It’s almost like they feel defeated. Like there’s nothing we can do. Nobody is making an impact play, or not even trying. Hands on their hips. They’re just kind of out there.”
The Hoosiers extended their lead with a touchdown pass from Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, giving Indiana a 24-0 advantage after the extra point.
As the fourth quarter unfolded and Indiana’s lead grew to 28 points, Herbstreit commented on the impact this game may have on Alabama’s reputation. “Bama has definitely hurt themselves as far as their reputation, on this big stage, not just this year but overall,” he noted.
When Indiana scored the final touchdown to take a 38-3 lead with over 10 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, play-by-play announcer Chris Fowler described Alabama as being “humiliated.” Herbstreit echoed the sentiment, calling the Crimson Tide’s performance “embarrassing.”
For Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, it’s clear the program has a long road ahead to return to the dominance it enjoyed during the Nick Saban era. Meanwhile, Indiana is flourishing, rolling forward two years into the Curt Cignetti regime.
https://awfulannouncing.com/college-football/kirk-herbstreit-alabama-embarrassing-indiana-cfp.html
