Indiana is the Rose Bowl champions — and Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield finally get to sit down for the full, official breakdown after an unforgettable trip to Pasadena and a 38–3 demolition of Alabama in the CFP quarterfinal.
They relive the week in L.A. (including the parade/rain chaos and just how completely IU fans took over the city), then dive into what made the win so overwhelming: Indiana’s commitment to the run with Roman Hemby and Kaelon Black, Fernando Mendoza’s surgical efficiency, and a defense that played with violence and discipline while forcing Alabama into desperation mode under Kalen DeBoer and Ty Simpson.
They also hit “Recite the Drives,” spotlight key performances like Charlie Becker, Elijah Sarratt, Devin Boykin, and D'Angelo Ponds, and and talk about the mental reset needed after the Rose Bowl high with Oregon (and Dan Lanning) waiting in the Peach Bowl semifinal.
Indiana wins the Rose Bowl with a dominant 38-3 victory over Alabama. We should talk about it!
A late night live podcast on December 30, talking Indiana vs Alabama and answering listener questions.
Galen Clavio delivers a full Indiana vs Alabama preview as the Hoosiers head to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl CFP Quarterfinal.
After a quick update on the Stampede To Pasadena Road Trip and other Rose Bowl events, Galen dives into the matchup using advanced statistics and trendlines—what Alabama has (and hasn’t) been consistently this season, why Indiana’s profile looks so strong across opponent-adjusted metrics, and where the game will swing in the trenches.
He breaks down the schedule/strength-of-record debate, what we learned from Alabama’s win over Oklahoma, and the biggest tactical pressure points: Indiana’s need to establish the run with Kaelon Black and Roman Hemby, Alabama’s path to disruption via pressure on Fernando Mendoza, and how Indiana’s defense under Bryant Haines can challenge Ty Simpson and Alabama’s receiving threats (Germie Bernard, Isaiah Horton, Ryan Williams, Josh Cuevas)—with D’Angelo Ponds and Louis Moore spotlighted on the back end.
Plus: the latest Rose Bowl weather outlook and what rain could change (and who it might favor).
- Sponsored by Homefield Apparel. Happy 10th anniversary to the Good Brand! Use HOME23 for 15% off your first order.
- The Stampede to Pasadena Road Trip is brought to you in part by Bluegrass Toasted Oak Tournament of Roses bourbon, which was produced in partnership with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses! Indiana residents can get it shipped to them directly via several retailers. Drink Responsibly.
GC brings you the annual Holiday Mailbag episode. Audience questions vary widely (as they always do) but include topics such as:
and much more. Happy Holidays!
On CrimsonCast Ep. 1293, Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield react to Indiana football’s national breakout moment on 60 Minutes and what it says about the program’s new place in the sport — including the small details that made the segment resonate with a broader audience.
Then it’s full Rose Bowl / College Football Playoff quarterfinal mode as Indiana draws Alabama. The guys break down what the Crimson Tide look like right now, including QB Ty Simpson, Alabama’s passing game strengths, questions in the run game, and which personnel Indiana must account for. They also discuss the coaching chess match, including Kalen DeBoer and DC Kane Wommack, and why Indiana’s structure under OC Mike Shanahan and DC Bryant Haines translates well to a neutral-site playoff environment.
Finally, Galen and Scott step back to evaluate the College Football Playoff after another round of lopsided results — debating access, perception, and why “who belongs” conversations often reveal more about bias than football.
It’s a CrimsonCast x The Big Red Carpet crossover as Galen Clavio and Rhett Lewis break down the first three College Football Playoff games—with the deepest focus on Alabama’s 34–24 comeback win at Oklahoma and what it tells us about the Tide heading into the Rose Bowl CFP quarterfinal vs Indiana.
They discuss what worked (and what still looks vulnerable) for Alabama, how Indiana’s defense under Bryant Haines can create problems, and the biggest chess-match elements—especially with IU adjusting up front without Stephen Daley.
The guys also hit the rest of the bracket: Miami’s 10–3 win over Texas A&M and Ole Miss’ 41–10 win over Tulane (and what those results suggest about the next round).
Plus: live audience questions, injury updates, portal/roster-building discussion, and Pasadena meetup plans leading into Rose Bowl week.
Galen Clavio opens the show with a handful of Indiana football news items as the Hoosiers await their Rose Bowl / CFP quarterfinal opponent — including the wild scene at Memorial Stadium’s rally towel distribution, reflections on Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman win, and why keeping coordinator continuity (including Mike Shanahan’s extension and Bryant Haines on defense) matters for sustaining IU as a national power.
Then Galen is joined by former On3 reporter Andy Wittry for a wide-ranging conversation about the college football landscape: Utah’s groundbreaking private-capital partnership and what it could mean for athletic departments nationally, the Big 12’s reported pursuit of private capital, the growing financial squeeze (including high-profile student-fee debates), and how the CFP is evolving amid ongoing political pressure from major brands like Notre Dame.
Indiana football just added another piece of history: Fernando Mendoza is the first Hoosier to win the Heisman Trophy, and Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield unpack what the moment means for the program, the fan base, and Mendoza’s place in Indiana sports lore. They also dig into the voting results and why Mendoza’s biggest moments (and biggest stage) ultimately separated him from the other finalists.
Then it’s a hard pivot to Indiana basketball: the Hoosiers lose 72–60 at Kentucky, and the conversation turns to the team’s offensive issues, foul trouble, thin margins, and what it means for the Big Ten grind ahead under Darian DeVries.
Indiana just won the Big Ten Championship and is gearing up for the College Football Playoff, but the work isn’t done. Galen Clavio goes solo to break down Indiana football’s week after the conference title, how the Hoosiers adjust defensively without Stephen Daley, and what potential CFP matchups vs Alabama or Oklahoma might look like schematically.
Galen also dives into the national college football drama:
The Notre Dame–ACC war of words after the Irish were left out of the CFP, including AD Pete Bevacqua’s public shots at the league and calls for format changes.
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips pushing for immediate CFP expansion after the controversy.
The Heisman race between Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza and Vanderbilt’s Diego Pavia, who has become the media’s SEC-fueled alternative.
Michigan’s ugly situation around former coach Sherrone Moore, and what it says about culture, leadership, and how quickly an athletic department can lose control
Plus: bracket talk, how Bryant Haines’ defense solves problems like a Roman legion, why Indiana’s portal strategy is pure Moneyball, and what the sport’s power brokers are really doing with the playoff going forward.
Subscribe for more Indiana football, CFP breakdowns, and Big Ten realignment drama all postseason.
Indiana University football are Big Ten Champions for the first time since 1967 — and Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield break down every emotional, unforgettable moment of IU’s 13–10 win over Ohio State.
From the defensive masterpiece, to Charlie Becker’s iconic championship catch, to Curt Cignetti’s program-defining statement, the guys look at how Indiana out-toughed, out-executed, and out-adjusted one of college football’s modern giants.
They also discuss:
– Why IU’s fans will remember this night forever
– The statistical backbone of the victory
– Key plays that flipped the game
– How this team’s identity has evolved
– What the Big Ten title means for IU’s future and the upcoming CFP
Presented by Homefield Apparel and Posh Hotel Bloomington.
Subscribe for Rose Bowl & CFP previews all week.
Galen Clavio is joined by Taylor Lehman for the final deep-dive preview of the Big Ten Championship Game between #2 Indiana and #1 Ohio State.
They break down why this matchup is unprecedented, what’s changed since last year’s IU–OSU meeting, how Fernando Mendoza and Indiana’s upgraded roster stack up against the Buckeyes, and the advanced-stat matchups that will decide a historic Saturday night in Indianapolis.
Presented by Homefield Apparel (Indy pop-ups all weekend) and Posh Hotel Bloomington.
Subscribe to the Back Home Network for wall-to-wall title-game coverage.
Galen Clavio is joined by Big Red Carpet host Rhett Lewis for a full preview of the Big Ten Championship Game between #2 Indiana and #1 Ohio State.
They discuss the historic stakes, the emotional build-up, Indiana’s growth from last season, the coaching brilliance of Curt Cignetti’s staff, and why this matchup feels different from anything IU fans have ever experienced.
Rhett and Galen break down the key factors that will decide the game — stopping Ohio State’s run, how Indiana’s offense can unlock the RPO, defensive adjustments on both sides, crowd and atmosphere impact, and why both teams will empty the playbook on Saturday night.
Presented by Homefield Apparel (pop-up events all over Indy this weekend) and Posh Hotel Bloomington.
Championship Week has arrived, and Scott and James are backon CrimsonCASH to dissect the upcoming games and share their best bets for theBig Ten Championship! The hosts kicked off the season with a bang, going 14 and4 on their Big Ten regular season over/under predictions. Now, they're ready toplace some more bets for championship week.
The guys dive into the Big Ten Championship matchup andshare their betting angles for the Indiana Hoosiers vs. Ohio State Buckeyesgame. James currently has the IU team total over 20 and a half, a thresholdthat, if reached, would be the first time a team has scored more than 17 pointsagainst the Buckeyes all year. Scott admits his "fan heart takesover" his "gambling heart" and says he will bet Indiana moneyline or Indiana to cover a spread. The hosts recommend that those wanting totake IU plus points should wait until the first quarter for a potentiallybetter live line.
They also discuss:
Why the winner of the Big Ten Championship is likely to winthe Heisman Trophy. Scott suggests hedging a Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) betwith Julian Sayin (Ohio State) to win the Heisman at plus 180
The odds for Indiana players to score an anytime touchdown,with Fernando Mendoza offering the best value at over 3 to 1 for a rushingtouchdown.
Scott's prediction that the crowd split will favor Indiana60/40, though James thinks there will be more Ohio State fans.
The observation that Lucas Oil Stadium's turf is "notthe fastest" and "kind of slippery".
A shoutout to their "Who's Your Hot Streak"winner, Keegan, who sent in a photo of Mad Mushroom cheesesticks topped withbacon from the Purdue tailgate.
Shoutouts to other CrimsonCASH listeners, like Winky Dink16and Cav Nasty 54, who won money on their preseason over/unders.
Don't miss the betting insights on this historic season anddetails on the CrimsonCASH meet and greet in Indy!
Before you listen, make sure to check out Posh Hotel inBloomington and Homefield Apparel (use code HOME23 to save 15% on your firstpurchase)!
It's Big Ten Title Game Week, and this is NOT a drill!Connor Onion from the Big Ten Network is back on CrimsonCast to discuss Indiana football's unbelievable 12-0 season and their Big Ten Championship matchup against Ohio State.
The guys are still pinching themselves, talking about howthe Hoosiers have been "extraordinary" on defense holding opponentsto 10 points or under in seven games this year. They also dive into:
The electric atmosphere in Bloomington that now features QRcodes for football season ticket waiting lists at Assembly Hall.
The national perception of Coach Cignetti including the"widespread admiration" and "envy" from other Big Tencoaching staffs.
The Heisman race between Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and OhioState's Julian Sayin, with the Big Ten Championship essentially acting as thedeciding game.
The prediction for the crowd split at Lucas Oil Stadiumbetween IU and OSU fans.
The ultimate dream scenario for the Big Ten in the CollegeFootball Playoff (and how three Big Ten teams could get a bye!).
Don't miss the insights on this historic season, agame-by-game breakdown of the Big Ten title matchup, and a golden retrievercomparison for the IU basketball team!
Before you listen, make sure to check out Posh Hotel inBloomington for a luxurious stay and Homefield Apparel (use code HOME23 to save15% on your first purchase—but skip the Ohio State stuff!)!
Galen Clavio welcomes Dane Sanzenbacher of 97.1 The Fan in Columbus for a full deep-dive into Saturday’s Big Ten Championship Game between #2 Indiana and #1 Ohio State.
They look back at last year’s matchup, break down how both teams evolved into undefeated juggernauts, examine the coaching continuity and talent development on both sides, and talk through the spectacle surrounding this unprecedented showdown in Lucas Oil Stadium.
They discuss quarterback play (Mendoza vs Sayin), defensive identities, why both teams needed this measuring-stick game, and how the playoff and Heisman implications add even more weight to a historic night in the Big Ten.
Presented by Homefield Apparel (use code HOMEFIELD30) and Posh Hotel Bloomington.
Subscribe to the Back Home Network for championship-week coverage from Indianapolis.
Galen Clavio is joined by Stefan Krajisnik of Cleveland.com and Buckeye Talk for a deep-dive preview of the Big Ten Championship Game between #1 Ohio State and #2 Indiana. The two look back at last year’s matchup, analyze how both programs have evolved, break down the key positional battles, and discuss the spectacle and stakes of this unprecedented showdown in Indianapolis.
They also evaluate trench play, the chess match between Fernando Mendoza and the Ohio State defense, and how crowd composition, venue, and playoff implications could shape the night inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
Presented by Homefield Apparel (use code HOMEFIELD30) and Posh Hotel Bloomington.
Subscribe to the Back Home Network for wall-to-wall championship week coverage.
Galen Clavio and Scott Caulfield break down Indiana’s historic 12–0 regular season after obliterating Purdue in West Lafayette. The Hoosiers dominate the Old Oaken Bucket again, unleash a devastating rushing attack, and lock in a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game.
The guys analyze IU’s complete performance, the rise of one of the nation’s best defenses, and what the Hoosiers’ undefeated run means for the College Football Playoff. They also dive into Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman campaign, likely Big Ten title opponents, and how the CFP bracket could shake out.
Presented by Homefield Apparel — Big Ten Champ merch just dropped.
🏨 Sponsored by Posh Hotel Bloomington, luxury stays on Kirkwood.
🔗 Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more IU football coverage.
Scott and James are back for Week 14 of CrimsonCASH, and they've got a full plate of Big Ten rivalries to gobble up before Thanksgiving!
This week, the hosts are thankful for a few things:
They are also stuffing in picks for Penn State at Rutgers (a playoff game for one of them!) Maryland at Michigan State Northwestern at Illinois UCLA at USC Iowa at Nebraska Ohio State at Michigan (a 10-point spread, oh my!) Oregon at Washington and Wisconsin at Minnesota for the Paul Bunyan's Axe trophy!
Plus, they give a final "Hoosier Hot Streak?" bet for the season, a major update on the Mendoza Heisman bet (including the cash-out value!) and Keegan's Slice of the Pie pick, which will be the Ohio State vs. Michigan game!
Don't miss a minute of this gravy-boat of an episode! Check out Homefield Apparel with promo code HOME23 and Posh on Kirkwood for a great place to stay.1
Galen Clavio welcomes former IU wideout Mitchell Paige back to CrimsonCast to break down the Old Oaken Bucket showdown between Indiana and Purdue.
The two dive deep into IU’s undefeated run, the culture Curt Cignetti has built, the future of the program, and why this matchup means so much to players, alumni, and fans.
Then Galen turns to the numbers — using advanced statistics courtesy of Taylor Lehman and Bite Sized Bison to preview Friday’s rivalry game, explain where IU holds key advantages, and outline what to watch for as the Hoosiers chase a 12–0 regular season.
Presented by Homefield Apparel — use code HOMEFIELD30 for 30% off during the Black Friday sale.
🏨 Sponsored by Posh Hotel Bloomington, luxury stays on Kirkwood Avenue.
🔗 Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more IU sports coverage.