Alabama vs. Indiana Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for College Football Playoff Quarterfinal

Iain MacMillan | 2 Hours Ago

Indiana is favored against Alabama in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal. / Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Indiana Hoosiers took down the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Big Ten Championship, earning themselves the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. After enjoying a first-round BYE, Indiana will now take on Alabama in a quarterfinal showdown.

Let's dive into the odds and my best bet for this marquee matchup on New Years Day.

Alabama vs. Indiana Odds, Spread, and Total

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook

Spread

• Alabama +6.5 (-102)
• Indiana -6.5 (-120)

Moneyline

• Alabama +210
• Indiana -260

Total

• OVER 48.5 (-104)
• UNDER 48.5 (-118)

Alabama vs. Indiana How to Watch

• Date: Thursday, January 1
• Game Time: 4:00 pm ET
• Venue: Rose Bowl
• How to Watch (TV): ESPN
• Alabama Record: 11-3
• Indiana Record: 13-0

Alabama vs. Indiana Betting Trends

• Alabama is 9-3-1 ATS in its last 13 games
• The UNDER is 5-1 in Alabama's last six games
• Indiana is 8-4 ATS in its last 12 games
• Indiana is 3-11 straight up in its last 14 games vs. SEC opponents

Alabama vs. Indiana Key Player to Watch

• Fernando Mendoza, QB - Indiana Hoosiers

Fernando Mendoza was rightfully named the Heisman Trophy winner after a fantastic season for Indiana. He completed 71.5% of passes for 2,980 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just six interceptions while adding 240 yards on the ground and six rushing touchdowns. After leading the Hoosiers to a Big Ten Championship, can he follow that up with a National Championship?

Alabama vs. Indiana Prediction and Pick

Indiana continues to be somehow be underrated, despite being undefeated and the Big Ten champions. They're fourth in net adjusted EPA per play and second in net success rate. While Alabama has the brand name, the Crimson Tide isn't the team they were in the Nick Saban era, ranking just 41st in net yards per play.

Alabama's offense is simply not effective, getting just a single first down in the first half against Oklahoma in the first round of the playoff. They're 76th in yards per play, averaging just 5.4 yards per snap, while ranking 48th in net adjusted EPA per play.

Indiana is in a different class than Alabama and will prove it on Thursday.

Pick: Indiana -6.5 (-120) via FanDuel

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