Indiana’s head coach is known for his talent evaluation. The skill comes from hours of grinding tape through the years.

IU football's historic season, led by coach Curt Cignetti and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, faces a tough challenge in the Rose Bowl against Alabama.

In a press conference the day before the game, Cignetti repeatedly mentioned how the schedule for the game has hindered preparations.

While other programs rely on flashy schemes and five-star talent, Cignetti's ground-up approach has quickly turned Indiana into a force to be reckoned with in college football

For College Football Playoff head coaches Joey McGuire, Curt Cignetti and Kalen DeBoer, experiences in equipment rooms, at high schools and at the NAIA and Division II levels are paying dividends at the highest level.

Alabama's opponent in the CFP quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl, Indiana comes to Pasadena undefeated at 13-0 overall as the Big Ten champions.