3 Alabama Players Under Pressure vs Indiana in the Rose Bowl

Alabama’s road through the College Football Playoff just got much tougher. After rallying for a 17-point comeback win over Brent Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners, Kalen DeBoer’s Crimson Tide now face the biggest challenge of their season: a Rose Bowl showdown against the No. 1–ranked Indiana Hoosiers.

This matchup has been framed by some as a symbolic changing of the guard. Indiana is only three wins away from reaching the same rare air Alabama has occupied for years. With that backdrop, the pressure is high on both the program and its head coach. And for a few Alabama players, one bad night could define the outcome.

Here are three Crimson Tide players who simply can’t afford to struggle against Indiana.

Ryan Williams, Wide Receiver

Ryan Williams is the most talked-about name on this list, and for good reason. Entering the season, expectations were sky-high after he spent the offseason being compared to Ohio State star Jeremiah Smith. Instead, Williams’ year has been uneven, highlighted by drops and missed chances.

He has 43 receptions for 636 yards and four touchdowns this season, averaging 14.8 yards per catch and just under 49 yards per game. While solid, those numbers are down from his freshman season, when he averaged 66.5 yards per game. The biggest issue has been his hands. Williams leads the nation with 13 dropped passes.

His recent performances add to the concern. He had no catches in the regular-season finale and managed just one 5-yard reception in the first-round playoff game against Oklahoma. With Ty Simpson leading the offense, Alabama needs Williams to look like his 2024 version again.

That won’t be easy. Indiana ranks second nationally in scoring defense, allowing only 10.8 points per game. The Hoosiers mix coverages well and play tight man-to-man defense, rarely giving receivers clean looks. This game could go a long way in shaping how Williams’ season—and career—are remembered.

Michael Carroll, Right Tackle

Michael Carroll has been one of Alabama’s pleasant surprises this year. The true freshman, a top-ranked interior lineman in his recruiting class, has started four games and appeared in 13 overall at right tackle.

In 272 pass-blocking snaps, Carroll has allowed just two sacks and 11 total pressures. His 77.0 Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade is impressive for a first-year player in the SEC.

But the challenge ramps up in the Rose Bowl. Indiana’s defense ranks third nationally against the run (77.6 yards allowed per game) and sixth in total defense (257.2 yards). Their front seven is fast, physical, and relentless. Even small mistakes can swing momentum quickly.

Carroll must protect the pocket on passing downs and help open running lanes to keep Alabama’s offense balanced. If he holds up, the Tide can control the pace. If not, Indiana’s pressure could take over.

LT Overton, Defensive Lineman

LT Overton’s return could be one of the biggest storylines of the game. The senior defensive lineman missed Alabama’s last two games, including the SEC Championship and the first-round playoff matchup, due to an undisclosed medical condition. He has been cleared to play in the Rose Bowl, but questions remain about his conditioning.

In 12 regular-season games, Overton recorded 35 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, and four quarterback hurries. When healthy, he’s a key disruptor up front.

That role is critical against an Indiana offense led by Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, who has built a reputation for delivering in late-game moments. Alabama will need consistent pressure, and Overton’s presence could make a real difference.

If Williams, Carroll, and Overton all deliver strong performances, Alabama’s chances of upsetting the undefeated Hoosiers rise significantly. If they don’t, Indiana may take another step toward claiming college football’s throne.

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