The College Football Playoff kicks off with a historic matchup as No. 10 Indiana visits No. 7 Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium. This is the first-ever playoff game hosted in South Bend, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner will advance to face No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.
Both teams enter this game with impressive 11-1 records, but their paths to the playoff have been vastly different. Indiana, led by first-year head coach Curt Cignetti, is enjoying its best season in program history. Meanwhile, Notre Dame rebounded from an early-season upset to Northern Illinois and has treated every game since as a must-win under head coach Marcus Freeman. Expect an electric atmosphere as these in-state programs clash for the first time since 1991.
Indiana Hoosiers
Indiana’s success has been fueled by quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who has thrown for 2,827 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just four interceptions this season. The Hoosiers boast a balanced offense with running backs Justice Ellison (811 yards, 10 TDs) and Ty Son Lawton (634 yards, 12 TDs) providing consistent production. Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt has been Rourke’s go-to target, with 49 catches for 890 yards and eight touchdowns.
Defensively, Indiana has been solid, allowing 296.8 yards per game, which ranks ninth nationally. Linebacker Aaron Casey and cornerback Jamier Johnson anchor a unit that has consistently delivered under pressure. The Hoosiers will need their best performance yet to contain Notre Dame’s dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard and the Fighting Irish’s powerful rushing attack.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame’s offense revolves around quarterback Riley Leonard, who has accounted for 30 total touchdowns this season (16 passing, 14 rushing). Leonard’s dual-threat ability makes him a constant challenge for defenses. Running back Jeremiyah Love leads the team with 949 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns and is expected to play despite a knee injury suffered in the regular-season finale.
The Fighting Irish defense has been elite, ranking third nationally in passing yards allowed (157.9 per game) and first in opponent completion percentage (48.7%). With players like Benjamin Morrison in the secondary and a formidable pass rush, Notre Dame will look to disrupt Indiana’s offensive rhythm. This defensive unit will be key in determining the outcome of the game.
Prediction
This matchup pits Indiana’s high-scoring offense against Notre Dame’s stifling defense. The Hoosiers will look to establish their balanced attack early, but the Fighting Irish have been nearly unbeatable at home this season. Riley Leonard’s ability to make plays with his arm and legs gives Notre Dame a critical edge, particularly in a game of this magnitude.
While Indiana’s magical season has been remarkable, Notre Dame’s experience and defensive prowess should prove decisive. Expect the Fighting Irish to control the tempo and secure a hard-fought victory to advance to the Sugar Bowl.
- Pick: Notre Dame 27, Indiana 20
