What Alabama football needs to do in second half to come back vs. Indiana

Jan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Bray Hubbard (18) tackles Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) in the first half of the 2026 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Alabama football trails Indiana at halftime in the Rose Bowl.

Here is what the Tide needs to do in the second half to make a comeback:

Get Home On Pressure

When Alabama football has gotten home to Mendoza, they have made the Indiana quarterback pay. On the other hand, when the Hoosiers have protected Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner has been accurate and has made the Tide pay for playing man coverage in the secondary.

Hold Up In Man Coverage In Secondary

Kane Wommack is dialing up the pressure and playing man coverage behind it. If Alabama wants to continue to play this way, the Tide’s defensive backs have to be better in coverage in one-on-one situations.

Get Offense In Rhythm

Alabama football’s offense and Ty Simpson are struggling to get into a rhythm. A lack of a rushing attack is contributing to this. More rhythm in the offense will create more downfield explosives.

Gets Some Type Of Help From Rushing Attack

This may just be wishful thinking at this point. The Crimson Tide has not had a solid rushing attack all season. Indiana punished them for it. It is one of the reasons the Tide is facing a lot of third-and-long situations.

Protect The Football

Ty Simpson’s fumble was costly. It stopped one of the Tide’s best drives in the first half. Indiana is not a team you want to freely give the ball to.