Indiana vs. Notre Dame: College Football Playoff Matchup Preview and Key Player Projections
Date/Time: December 20, 2024, 8:00 PM ET Venue: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Indiana Broadcast: ABC
Matchup Overview
The College Football Playoff kicks off with an exciting in-state showdown between the No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers and the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Both teams boast impressive 11-1 records, setting the stage for a highly competitive matchup.
Betting Odds and Trends
Point Spread: Notre Dame favored by 7.5 points
Moneyline: Notre Dame -285, Indiana +230
Over/Under: 51.5 points
Notably, the spread has seen movement, opening at 8.5 points and adjusting due to significant betting activity favoring Indiana. Weather conditions, including cold temperatures and potential snow, may influence gameplay and betting considerations.
Team Analysis
Indiana Hoosiers
Under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana has achieved a historic season, securing their first College Football Playoff berth. The Hoosiers’ offense is led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who has completed 70% of his passes for 2,827 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. Running back Justice Ellison provides balance with a strong rushing attack, complemented by wide receiver Miles Cross, a reliable target in the passing game. Defensively, Indiana allows just 14.7 points per game, ranking sixth nationally.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame enters the playoff on a 10-game winning streak. Quarterback Riley Leonard, a transfer from Duke, has been pivotal, throwing 16 touchdowns and showcasing dual-threat capabilities. Running back Jeremiyah Love leads the ground game, while wide receiver Beaux Collins adds depth to the receiving corps. The Fighting Irish defense is formidable, allowing only 13.6 points per game, the third-best in the nation. Safety Xavier Watts and defensive lineman Howard Cross III are key contributors, with Cross returning from injury to bolster the defensive front.
Key Matchups to Watch
Indiana’s Passing Attack vs. Notre Dame’s Secondary: Rourke’s efficiency will be tested against a stout Irish pass defense.
Notre Dame’s Rushing Offense vs. Indiana’s Front Seven: The Hoosiers must contain Love to disrupt Notre Dame’s offensive rhythm.
Weather Impact: Adverse conditions could favor the running game and defensive play, potentially influencing the game’s outcome.
Player Projections
Indiana Hoosiers
Kurtis Rourke (QB): 15 completions on 27 attempts, 211 passing yards, 1 touchdown, 0.5 interceptions
Considering both teams’ defensive prowess and the anticipated weather conditions, this matchup is likely to be a low-scoring affair dominated by ground attacks and field position battles. Notre Dame’s home-field advantage and slightly more potent offense may provide the edge needed to secure a victory, but Indiana’s resilience and balanced play make them a formidable opponent capable of an upset.
