Indiana players: This was the ‘difference-maker’ in dominant Alabama win

With the Rose Bowl already well in-hand for Indiana on Jan. 1, the stadium DJ played a crowd favorite. The Hoosiers were going to beat Alabama football, and nearly entire crowd sang along to John Mellencamp’s “Hurt So Good.”

The Indiana fan advantage was extremely obvious all game. Most of the Hoosier faithful stuck around the entire time too, not letting the non-competitive nature of the contest dim their happiness.

Ahead of their appearance in the national championship game, scheduled for Monday against Miami, IU players expressed appreciation for

“The Alabama game in specific, we knew we were going against one of the most prestigious universities, when it comes to football especially,” linebacker Aiden Fisher said Saturday. “We all had that chip on our shoulder that we get another opportunity to go out there and prove it. I think we did a great job executing. And, honestly, our fans in that game were the difference-maker. That stadium felt like a home game and it was special to play in front of them.”

Star wide receiver Elijah Sarratt told reporters the gusto from America’s largest alumni base was helpful.

“I see it as soon as I go into the arena,” Sarratt said. “Last week, seeing all the red, it makes a great impact on us. Our fans give us confidence and want us to go out and play our best for them. Without them, it would be tough being here right now. All season, they’ve shown up and shown out. I appreciate them a lot for that.”

Indiana fans have shown a unique willingness to travel during their favorite team’s current playoff run. After years of bringing up the rear in the Big Ten, and in some years the entire FBS, the Hoosiers are on a cathartic journey, entering the national championship as the No. 1 team.

Linebacker Isaiah Jones shared his thoughts on the trend, noting the Indiana fans also took over Mercedes-Benz Stadium for IU’s Peach Bowl win over Oregon last time out.

This fan base, this is a long time coming for them,” Jones said. “There might be fans that have had season tickets for 40 years. I think just being at this opportunity where we are now, I don’t think anyone would miss it for the world. Having them at the Rose Bowl where it felt like a home game, I didn’t know it could get better than that. The Peach Bowl is the loudest stadium I ever played in in my life. Being out there on defense my helmet was shaking, they were so loud.”

Indiana might not have needed the crowd to beat Alabama. The Crimson Tide was clearly overmatched by the No. 1 Hoosiers.

However, the noise certainly didn’t hurt. It’s an advantage that IU likely won’t have on Monday, when it plays the national championship on Miami’s home field at Hard Rock Stadium.

But IU players didn’t sound like they expected their fans to be completely absent. And head coach Curt Cignetti had a message for those on the fence.

“If you’re not sure you can make it down,” the coach said, addressing Indiana fans directly. “Find a ride.”