Kirk Herbstreit rips Alabama effort in Rose Bowl vs. Indiana: 'Nobody is playing with any fire'

Alabama finds itself in the danger zone early in the second half of the Rose Bowl. Another Fernando Mendoza touchdown pass means Indiana has a commanding 24-0 lead in Pasadena. A win puts them in the College Football Playoff semifinal, a place the program has never been.

But just before the score, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit ripped into the effort Alabama is putting in. He was observing the defense at the time, saying the Crimson Tide seem to just be “existing.” Certainly not what we are used to hearing about Alabama, especially when it comes to these big-time games.

“It feels like Alabama, it’s strange to see,” Herbstreit said. “It feels like they’re just existing, they’re just out there. Nobody is just penetrating, nobody is playing with any fire. It’s almost like they play defeated, like ‘There’s nothing we can do.’ Nobody is making an impact play. Hands on their hips, kind of just out there.”

This is far from what we have heard about Alabama for the past quarter-century. For years, a program led by Nick Saban fired up every single Saturday, no matter the opponent. Dials got cranked up a notch or two once the postseason began, whether it was the BCS or College Football Playoff.

In fairness, the defense has not been the main issue for Alabama in this game. Ty Simpson and the offense cannot get anything going, currently being shut out. There was mention of an injury for Simpson coming out of the halftime locker room as well.

But still, Mendoza is putting together a masterful performance. Running the ball has come at ease at times for Indiana as well, getting push vs. the Alabama defensive line.

Not much time remains for the fire to be found. Not too long ago, we saw an incredible Crimson Tide come-from-behind victory in Norman vs. Oklahoma. ESPN’s Chris Fowler put it as such at one point, though — “This is not Oklahoma.” Indiana is a different beast after going 12-0 during the regular season and winning the Big Ten.

If Alabama does not flip a switch, the season will end with four losses for the second straight year under Kalen DeBoer. Progress was made compared to his first year in charge, also making the SEC Championship. However, Herbstreit is noticing something that people back in Tuscaloosa will not be pleased with, no matter what the final score reads in the coming hours.