Indiana dominates Alabama
Indiana football is moving on in the College Football Playoff after a dominant 38–3 win over Alabama in the quarterfinals of the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. Fernando Mendoza threw for 192 yards and 3 touchdowns, and the Hoosiers’ defense forced a Crimson Tide fumble in the lopsided victory. It marked the first Rose Bowl victory in school history. Top-ranked Indiana will face 5th-ranked Oregon next Friday in the semifinals at the Peach Bowl. With two Big Ten teams meeting in that semifinal, the conference is guaranteed a spot in the national championship game.
Other CFP quarterfinals were decided on New Year’s Day as well. Oregon shut out Texas Tech 23–0 in the Orange Bowl, while Ole Miss edged Georgia 39–34 in the Sugar Bowl to claim the final semifinal spot.
Bowl games continue today
The college football postseason continues today with several bowl games on the schedule. This afternoon, Rice faces Texas State in the Armed Forces Bowl, while Navy meets Cincinnati in the Liberty Bowl. Tonight’s action includes Wake Forest against Mississippi State in the Mayo Bowl and Arizona taking on SMU in the Holiday Bowl.
Notre Dame women suffer first ACC loss
The 18th-ranked Notre Dame women suffered their first ACC loss of the season Thursday night, falling to unranked Georgia Tech 95–90. Hannah Hidalgo led the Irish with 26 points, while Cassandre Prosper added 19. Notre Dame travels to Duke on Sunday.
Indiana State men fall in MVC play
The Indiana State men came up short Thursday night, losing to Northern Iowa 75–66. Ian Scott led the Sycamores with 15 points in the loss.
Bengals, Colts close in final week
The Cincinnati Bengals enter the final week of the NFL regular season at 6–10 and have been eliminated from playoff contention. Cincinnati wraps up the season at home against the Cleveland Browns, with both teams playing for pride in the finale.
The Indianapolis Colts are also out of the playoff picture, entering the weekend at 8–8. Indianapolis travels to Houston to face the Texans, who have already clinched a spot in the AFC playoff field. Riley Leonard is expected to make his first career NFL start at quarterback.
College basketball ahead
The Notre Dame men are on the road tonight, facing Cal in ACC action.
Looking ahead to Saturday, Butler returns home to face Villanova in Big East play. The Bulldogs are coming off a loss to Creighton. Fifth-ranked Purdue is also on the road Saturday, visiting Wisconsin in a Big Ten matchup.
High school basketball busy tonight
High school basketball is active across southeastern Indiana tonight. Batesville girls host Jennings County, while Oldenburg Academy girls visit Jac-Cen-Del. Oldenburg Academy boys are on the road at Connersville. South Ripley boys are competing today at the Baird Classic at Southridge, with tournament play continuing tomorrow.
Pacers try to stop skid
The Indiana Pacers return to the floor tonight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, hosting the San Antonio Spurs. Indiana has dropped 10 straight games and enters the matchup at 6–28 on the season. San Antonio has been one of the stronger teams in the Western Conference this year and remains firmly in the playoff picture. The game can be heard tonight on 103.9 FM and The WRBI App.
