(photo courtesy Indiana Athletics)

(Pasadena, CA) — Curt Cignetti wasn’t caught up in Indiana’s losing tradition when he arrived on campus two years ago. So it’s little surprise he’s not bothered by the winning tradition of IU’s Rose Bowl opponent, Alabama.

“You probably know more about the mystique than they do,” Cignetti deadpanned to a reporter Tuesday. “Our guys just know what they see on tape.”

What Cignetti has seen of the Crimson Tide has impressed him.

“Alabama is a great football team,” states the Hoosier head coach. “Kalen DeBoer is a great coach. I’ve been following him for a long time because our backgrounds are similar. And I shouldn’t have to build up Alabama. Everybody knows what a great team they are.”

What Indiana wants to show the nation is what a great team the Hoosiers are. Ranked #1 and undefeated, Indiana still feels it’s not getting the respect it deserves, since they have yet to win a College Football Playoff game.

“There’s a lot of excitement,” admits Cignetti, noting Indiana is making its first Rose Bowl appearance since New Year’s Day 1968. “But we’re here to play in the playoff game and our 100 percent focus is on the here and now.”

Certainly one of the matchups to watch is Indiana’s offense, going against former Indiana defensive coordinator Kane Wommack and his Alabama defense. IU has thrived offensively with precise execution. It has the Big Ten’s best offense in terms of points (41.9), total yards (472.8) and rushing yards (221.2). They face an Alabama defense that holds opponents to 17.9 points and that shut down Oklahoma over the final three quarters.

“Alabama’s defense I think is a challenge, not only because they’ve got great players and they play really hard and fast,” notes Cignetti. “But schematically, they do some things to try to throw you off rhythm. So, we’ve got to go in with a good, sound plan. But at the end of the day, it’s all about execution, left tackle doing his job, running back, receiver, and (quarterback) Fernando (Mendoza) being on point.”

Indeed, Cignetti likes what he has seen from his quarterback in the days after winning the Heisman Trophy in mid-December.

“I think it’s really critical now that he really developed a sharp edge in his preparation and don’t play like, oh, I’m the Heisman Trophy winner and I’ve got to do this or do that.”

Weather forecasters believe it could be the first rainy Rose Bowl in 20 years, with showers expected throughout the day. Kickoff for the Rose Bowl is at 4pm EST and the game can be seen on ESPN.