Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Indiana Hoosiers Picks and Predictions December 20th 2024

State supremacy on line as No. 7 Notre Dame faces No. 10 Indiana

For a program steeped in tradition, it’s rare for Notre Dame to encounter a “first-time” moment. Yet, Friday night will mark a historic occasion. The Fighting Irish, whose football journey began in 1887, are hosting their first-ever playoff game at the iconic Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.

This showdown between No. 7 Notre Dame (11-1) and No. 10 Indiana (11-1) will decide who advances to the College Football Playoff quarterfinals and a meeting with No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.

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Contrasting Legacies: Notre Dame’s Tradition vs. Indiana’s Breakthrough

Notre Dame is no stranger to the national spotlight, with its legacy defined by championship seasons, iconic players, and a historic 23-5-1 record over Indiana. Meanwhile, the Hoosiers, under first-year coach Curt Cignetti, are rewriting their own history.

Indiana’s magical season includes the program’s first-ever 10-win campaign and a 66-0 thrashing of Purdue, its largest win over an FBS opponent. The Hoosiers’ previous highlights include only two Big Ten titles (1945, 1967) and no bowl game wins since 1991.

For Cignetti, this game is about proving that 2023 is a turning point.

“This year is different,” said Cignetti. “At the end of the day, it’s just football. The game is going to be won or lost between the white lines. I want my players to fly around, have a little swag, and play the way we can play.”

Mindsets: Pressure and Focus

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman has emphasized a steady, disciplined approach.

“Since Week 3, every game has been like a playoff game for us,” Freeman said, referencing an early upset loss to Northern Illinois. “The message is simple: focus on preparation, and we’ll handle it.”

For Indiana, the narrative is about seizing the moment. Cignetti’s focus on preparation and confidence has instilled a belief that the Hoosiers can compete with anyone.

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Players to Watch

Notre Dame: A Balanced Attack

• Riley Leonard (Quarterback): The dual-threat leader has accumulated 2,092 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 721 rushing yards with 14 rushing TDs.
• Jeremiyah Love (Running Back): Despite a knee injury in the regular-season finale, Love leads the team with 949 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
• Dynamic Defense: Notre Dame’s defense, led by seasoned playmakers, has kept them competitive in high-pressure situations.

Indiana: Momentum Builders

• Kurtis Rourke (Quarterback): A consistent force, Rourke has passed for 2,827 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.
• Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton (Running Backs): Combining for over 1,400 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, the duo powers the ground game.
• Elijah Sarratt (Wide Receiver): With 890 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, Sarratt is Rourke’s top target.

Rivalry Renewed

This marks the first meeting between these two in-state programs since 1991 and the first-ever postseason clash. Notre Dame has dominated in previous encounters, boasting a 13-1-1 record in South Bend. However, Indiana’s upward trajectory and balanced offense make this a compelling rivalry revival.

X-Factors and Keys to Victory

1. Notre Dame’s Experience and Depth:
   The Fighting Irish’s roster is stacked with players accustomed to high-stakes matchups. How well they leverage that experience could define the game.
2. Indiana’s Confidence and Swag:
   Under Cignetti, the Hoosiers are playing with renewed belief. If they can sustain that energy and execute efficiently, an upset could be on the cards.
3. Injuries and Adjustments:
   Love’s recovery for Notre Dame will be pivotal. Similarly, Indiana needs its stars to deliver against a formidable Notre Dame defense.

Coach’s Corner

Both coaches understand the magnitude of this game. Freeman’s focus on consistency contrasts with Cignetti’s call for swagger and fearlessness, setting up an intriguing tactical battle.

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Historic Stakes, Modern Rivalry

This playoff matchup is more than just a game—it’s a battle for state supremacy and a place in college football history. Will Notre Dame’s storied tradition prevail, or can Indiana continue its Cinderella season? The stage is set for an electrifying clash under the Friday night lights.