Indiana star opens up on team's mindset ahead of CFP game vs Alabama

Urban Meyer, Matt Leinart, Brady Quinn, and Mark Ingram reacted after Indiana defeated Ohio State to win the Big Ten Championship.

The Indiana Hoosiers will play the Alabama Crimson Tide in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff on New Year’s Day in what may be the team’s biggest challenge yet.

The Hoosiers solidified their spot in the Playoff earlier this month with a Big Ten Championship win over the Ohio State Buckeyes. It will only get more difficult from the squad led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza from here on out.

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Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) and quarterback Alberto Mendoza (16) walk on field for warm ups before the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on Dec. 6, 2025. (Aaron Doster/Imagn Images)

Mendoza said he will embrace the challenge that the Crimson Tide will provide. His comments on the Big Ten Network on Tuesday suggested he has the right mindset to pull off a win.

"I think a message we call encompassed is, ‘Pressure is a privilege.’ Although we’re the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff, we have all these high expectations, it’s the first time Indiana has ever done this. At the same time, we’re grateful and we want this opportunity. This is what we’ve been working for the entire offseason.

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Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti looks on before the 2025 Big Ten Championship Game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on Dec. 6, 2025. (Robert Goddin/Imagn Images)

"It’s not like we’re here to go defend something. We don’t have this win in the Rose Bowl.