Here's how the recruit rankings for IU football's starters compare to Alabama, and what they say about the Rose Bowl matchup:

Alabama is slated to play No. 1 Indiana in the Rose Bowl. The Hoosiers are ranked No. 4 in total defense among FBS teams and have the offense to crush the Crimson Tide if UA gives the ball away.

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti said college football would be a lot cleaner if it "had one person calling the shots."

BLOOMINGTON — Indiana football opened as a -6.5 favorite for its upcoming matchup against Alabama in the Rose Bowl, according to BetMGM. The No. 1 Hoosiers (13-0) will play the No. 9 Crimson Tide (11-3) for the first time in the CFP quarterfinals on Jan. 1. They have been favored in all but two of their games (Oregon and Ohio State) this season.

Alabama will need a solid effort from these players if it hopes to upset Indiana in the College Football Playoff.

Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer met with reporters Monday to discuss the Crimson Tide's looming Rose Bowl matchup with Indiana. Here's what DeBoer said about the Hoosiers.

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti gained plenty of knowledge from his four seasons as an assistant at Alabama under Nick Saban.