What jumped out to Grubb while watching Indiana’s defense on film

Oct 18, 2025; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Rolijah Hardy (21) and defensive lineman Stephen Daley (8) celebrate after a defensive play during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

Although many fans may associate the No. 1-ranked Indiana Hoosiers with Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza and a great offense, the Crimson Tide will need to prepare itself to face a stifling defense that’s ranked No. 4 in total defense.

Indiana’s defense is headlined by linebackers Aiden Fisher and Rolijah Hardy, both of whom have totaled 76 solo tackles, 10.5 sacks, four pass deflections and two interceptions.

The Hoosiers’ secondary is most notably led by cornerback Louis Moore, who is tied at No. 2 for most interceptions in the country with six of Indiana’s 17 interceptions on the season.

Alabama offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will have his work cut out for him as he attempts to get the offense ready for the Rose Bowl. On Saturday, he spoke about what he’s seen from watching the Hoosiers’ defense, which has 25 total takeaways, on tape.

“Really disciplined defense,” Grubb said. “They play very disciplined, they’re exactly where they’re supposed to be. They execute their system at a really high level. They tackle really well. I think one thing I see, that we’ve been challenging our guys on, they defeat blocks. I wish I could tell you something way more sexy than that, but they’re really good at the little stuff, and that’s what you see in good defenses: teams that defeat blocks, run to the football, tackle well, force turnovers. They do all the little things really, really well. That’s what we got to be ready for, because you’ll see plenty of plays on film, where this play is developing, it’s got a shot, it looks like it’s going to be well executed, and then they simply defeat the block, and they win at the point of attack. Just a good smashmouth team that you can tell is very well-coached.”

The Crimson Tide did well in Norman, where it defeated Oklahoma in the First Round of the playoffs, but it will have to level up its play if it wants to see success in Pasadena.

Indiana’s defense plays at an extremely high level, and the Tide’s offensive line has had some struggles with protecting the quarterback at times, so it will need to ensure that it can keep those issues at bay while the defense attempts to win the turnover battle.

It’s been obvious that the offense has struggled in recent weeks, and when the defense can’t create turnovers, the Tide doesn’t often win, so creating turnovers will be essential.