CrimsonCast

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Ep 1302 - PEACH BOWL PARTY: Indiana vs Oregon Recap Show Jan 11, 2026

Show notes

Indiana defeats Oregon 56-22 in the CFP Semifinal, and is now one win away from the program's first-ever national title in Football. Galen and Scott break down the entire weekend, including Indiana's takeover of Atlanta, the Hoosiers' dominance over the Ducks, and more.

Ep 1301 - Indiana vs Oregon Peach Bowl Preview (CFP Semifinal) Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

Galen Clavio is joined by Taylor Lehman (Bite Sized Bison) for a numbers-driven preview of Indiana vs Oregon in the Peach Bowl CFP semifinal. After a few quick Atlanta travel/event notes, they dive straight into the matchup: what Indiana’s 38–3 Rose Bowl win over Alabama revealed schematically, what Oregon showed (and didn’t show) against Texas Tech, and why this rematch is a completely different puzzle than the first meeting.

They break down how Indiana’s defense adjusts without Stephen Daley and Kellen Wyatt, what it means if Indiana can’t recreate the same pressure avalanche on Dante Moore, and how Bryant Haines may use structure and simulated pressure to limit explosives. On the other side, they examine how Indiana’s offense has evolved since October—Fernando Mendoza’s leap, the emergence of Charlie Becker as a true vertical threat, the steady presence of Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper, plus why Roman Hemby and Kellen Black are so difficult to game-plan for. Then it’s chart time: SP+ / efficiency indicators, trench matchups, red-zone keys, and a final prediction for a game that could decide the national title favorite.

Ep 1300 - Indiana's Mentality with Olivia Ray Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

Galen Clavio is joined by Olivia Ray (ABC 57) as Indiana turns the page from a historic Rose Bowl performance and prepares for the Peach Bowl CFP semifinal vs Oregon. They discuss what it was like on the ground in Pasadena, why Curt Cignetti had the Hoosiers locked in like it was a business trip, and how Indiana’s physicality completely flipped the “brand” expectations heading into the game.

They also dig into why Indiana’s defense keeps surviving injuries and still playing at an elite level under DC Bryant Haines, and how the Hoosiers stay hungry even after stacking wins. Finally, they look ahead to the Oregon rematch: what changes, what doesn’t, and why IU’s mentality makes this team different.

Ep 1299 - Indiana vs Oregon Preview with Rhett Lewis Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

It’s Peach Bowl week, and Galen Clavio is joined by Rhett Lewis for a full preview of Indiana vs Oregon in the CFP semifinal. They start with the Atlanta logistics (including the Homefield “Can’t Miss Kickoff Tour” Peach Bowl party and Stampede to Atlanta details), then dive into what Indiana’s Rose Bowl beatdown of Alabama revealed — especially dominance in the trenches, the run-game structure that unlocked Fernando Mendoza, and how Indiana’s defense controlled the game plan around Ty Simpson.

From there, the focus turns to the rematch: why stopping Oregon’s run is still the central problem, what changed since the first Indiana–Oregon meeting, and how IU’s pressure plan may evolve given the current personnel realities (including the absence of Stephen Daley and Kellen Wyatt). Plus: crowd/venue dynamics in Atlanta, portal-era distractions for opponents, and the handful of “small edges” that can decide a semifinal.

Ep 1297 - ESPN’s Courtney Cronin on the Rose Bowl Aftermath, SEC Discourse & Mendoza’s Next Step Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Galen Clavio is joined by Courtney Cronin (ESPN) for a wide-ranging conversation as Indiana prepares to face Oregon in the Peach Bowl CFP semifinal—coming off IU’s dominant Rose Bowl win over Alabama.

They talk about the Indiana football phenomenon (and why this surge feels sustainable under Curt Cignetti), the national discourse surrounding IU and the SEC, how the sport is changing in the transfer/NIL era, and what it’s been like watching Indiana turn into a true national football brand.

They also discuss the fan takeover in Pasadena, why “brand mystique” doesn’t match what’s actually on film, and wrap with a big-picture look at Fernando Mendoza’s Heisman moment—plus what his skill set could look like at the next level.

Ep 1297 - Live Transfer Portal Reaction Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

Galen Clavio is joined by Rhett Lewis of The Big Red Carpet and Trent McGee of the Kirkwood & Dunn podcast to talk about the first wave of Indiana's 2026 portal haul, including discussions about the addition of QB Josh Hoover, WR Nick Marsh, and many more players.

Ep 1296 - The Official Rose Bowl Victory Recap Show Jan 04, 2026

Show notes

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.

Rose Bowl Victory Thoughts - Live From Altadena Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

Indiana wins the Rose Bowl with a dominant 38-3 victory over Alabama. We should talk about it!

Live from Altadena - New Year's Eve Eve Chat Dec 31, 2025

Show notes

A late night live podcast on December 30, talking Indiana vs Alabama and answering listener questions.

Ep 1295 - CFP Quarterfinal Rose Bowl Preview | Evaluating Indiana's Matchup versus Alabama Dec 27, 2025

Show notes

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.

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