Fox analyst says it would be large upset if Alabama wins Rose Bowl: “They are not as good of a team as Indiana”

Dec 6, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer gestures on the sidelines after a dropped pass in the end zone against Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News

Fox college football analyst and commentator Joel Klatt feels Alabama is, without a doubt, a huge underdog to Indiana in the Rose Bowl.

The Hoosiers are currently a 7.5-point favorite against the Crimson Tide in Thursday’s game, according to FanDuel. Klatt was a guest on “Next Round Live” recently and gave his thoughts on the matchup.

“They’re the number one seed for a reason, and this is where I think I’ll lose your fans, like it would be a large upset if Alabama won this game,” Klatt said. “They are not as good of a team as Indiana. They are not as sound on the defensive side. They’re not as sound on the offensive side. They’re not as balanced. The quarterback play has equaled out because Mendoza is so good. He’s every bit Simpson’s equal. Alabama is used to playing in games 98 percent of the time where they unequivocally have the better team as opposed to across the field. That is not the case this week in the Rose Bowl against Indiana. I know that’s wild to hear.”

Alabama now has extra fuel to work with ahead of the Rose Bowl. Ty Simpson thanked the media for the yummy rat poison they gave the Tide before Alabama beat Oklahoma.

“I guess we can thank you guys for that,” Simpson said when addressing the media after the game. “Y’all kind of wrote us off. I appreciate that.”

Alabama and Indiana will battle to decide who moves on in the playoff on New Year’s Day.