Alabama football got through its first College Football Playoff game in dramatic fashion, coming back from a 17-0 deficit to win 34-24 over Oklahoma in Norman. Now, a tougher challenge awaits.

The Crimson Tide will face the No. 1 team in the nation, Indiana, in the Jan. 1 Rose Bowl quarterfinal. Ahead of the game, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer spoke with reporters in Tuscaloosa on Monday.

Alabama won’t be favored in the game. The Hoosiers are the Big Ten champions and enter the game undefeated after beating then-No. 1 Ohio State last time out in the conference title game.

Here are the highlights from DeBoer’s press conference

Kalen DeBoer Rose Bowl press conference highlights

— DeBoer says he’s excited about the opportunity to play in the Rose Bowl. Notes that the Crimson Tide has 15 players on the team from California who are excited to play in Pasadena.

— Praises Curt Cignetti’s program build at Indiana.

— DeBoer says he needs to give a “tip of the hat” to Alabama’s training staff for how it helped players ahead of the Oklahoma game.

— First question is about how DeBoer’s path through his career helped him be ready to be head coach at Alabama. DeBoer says he wouldn’t trade his path for the world, and there are moments that helped him appreciate what he has in Tuscaloosa. Notes that the time at lower levels helped prep him for the current playoff system.

— Reporter asks about Indiana’s running game. DeBoer says the offensive line’s cohesiveness has jumped out at him. Says Fernando Mendoza winning the Heisman Trophy “doesn’t happen by accident.” Says group compliments each other well.

— DeBoer is asked about Indiana’s investment in football during his time in Bloomington. He says he saw growth and investment were obvious while he was there, and the Hoosiers’ eight-win 2019 season seemed like it was starting to pay off. Praises how Cignetti has gotten people “all-in” on IU football.

— Question is about Bray Hubbard. DeBoer says the safety was disappointed by his performance in Week 1 against Florida State, and has been a key leader for Alabama this year. Praises Hubbard’s work ethic and how it influences other players on the team.

— DeBoer is asked about Kane Wommack and their shared time at Indiana. Says Wommack did everything he could to be a team player while he was at IU. Said Wommack was always willing to work with DeBoer to make things better for the team, not just the defense.

— DeBoer says Tim Keenan “was a little bit sore” after Oklahoma game, but he expects him to be good to go against Indiana. Says Alabama isn’t ruling out LT Overton for the game either, but is continuing to monitor. Also notes that Red Morgan is in the same boat as Keenan.

— Question is about the impact of the defense in the second half against Oklahoma. DeBoer praises how the unit adjusted to get more pressure against John Mateer later in the game.

— DeBoer praises the discipline of the Tide’s defensive line. Says that when the line does it’s job, the rest falls into place.

— DeBoer says it’s nice that Alabama doesn’t have school at the moment as preparation begins for the Rose Bowl. Says he loves how the Crimson Tide uses every second to prepare leading up to games. Praises how present the team was leading up to the Oklahoma win.

— Question is about the calendar, with the portal opening the day after the Rose Bowl. DeBoer says Alabama has built relationships strong enough that everyone can be up front with each other leading into the period.

— DeBoer is asked what changed for Ty Simpson in the fourth drive of Friday’s game. The coach notes Simpson’s long third-down throw to Lotzeir Brooks as a moment that sparked the offense, which had gone three-and-out on every prior drive. DeBoer says it was a lot of quick passes that got Simpson into a rhythm that helped the Crimson Tide’s comeback.

— DeBoer praises Lotzeir Brooks. Says he was surprised to hear after the game that Brooks had caught his first touchdowns, given how many big plays he has made throughout the season.