Indiana Dominates Alabama 38 to 3 as Heisman Winner Mendoza Controls CFP Quarterfinal

Indiana delivered a commanding College Football Playoff quarterfinal performance, overwhelming Alabama 38 to 3 behind a composed and efficient outing from Heisman Trophy winner A Mendoza, securing a decisive win that reshapes the national title outlook.

From the opening possession, Indiana established control through physical line play and methodical offensive execution. Alabama struggled to generate momentum early, repeatedly stalled by Indiana pressure and disciplined coverage that limited explosive plays and forced multiple punts in the first quarter.

Indiana opened the scoring early in the second quarter with a long sustained drive that resulted in a field goal, setting the tone for a night defined by time of possession and field position. Mendoza steadily expanded the margin by spreading the ball efficiently and using his legs to extend drives, showcasing the dual threat ability that earned him college football’s top individual honor.

The turning point came midway through the second quarter when Alabama failed to convert on fourth down near midfield. Indiana capitalized immediately, with Mendoza connecting on a twenty one yard touchdown pass that pushed the lead to ten and shifted momentum firmly in Indiana’s favor. By halftime, Indiana had built a seventeen point advantage while Alabama remained without a touchdown.

Indiana continued its dominance after the break with a seventy nine yard touchdown drive highlighted by balanced rushing and precise passing. Mendoza capped the possession with a deep scoring strike that extended the lead to twenty four and effectively ended any comeback hopes. Alabama managed a lone field goal late in the third quarter, but the offense remained inconsistent and unable to sustain drives.

The fourth quarter served as a showcase of Indiana depth and control. A twenty five yard rushing touchdown widened the gap to thirty one, and a late eighteen yard scoring run sealed the final margin at thirty eight to three. Indiana’s defense closed the game by forcing additional turnovers on downs and limiting Alabama to short gains despite increased tempo.

Mendoza finished the game with multiple passing touchdowns, a rushing score, and no turnovers, reinforcing his status as the most impactful quarterback in college football this season. Indiana’s rushing attack complemented his performance by consistently winning first down, while the offensive line allowed pressure on only a handful of snaps.

For Alabama, the loss represents one of its most lopsided postseason defeats in the playoff era. Quarterback rotation changes did not spark offensive consistency, and multiple drives ended due to sacks and negative plays. The Crimson Tide were held without a touchdown for the entire contest, a rarity on the national stage.

The win advances Indiana deeper into the College Football Playoff and signals a legitimate championship threat. The Hoosiers now turn their attention to preparation and recovery as they await their semifinal matchup, while Alabama faces offseason questions surrounding offensive efficiency and quarterback development.

Indiana’s performance combined execution discipline and composure under pressure, delivering a statement victory that will resonate across the playoff landscape and solidify Mendoza’s Heisman season with a defining postseason moment.