The first-ever College Football Playoff game between Notre Dame and Indiana is set to take place on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Here’s a detailed breakdown and preview.

• Notre Dame: No. 7 seed, with a record of 11-1.
• Indiana: No. 10 seed, with an 11-1 record.
• Notre Dame led by Head Coach Marcus Freeman, has won 10 consecutive games after starting the season with a huge upset win at Texas A&M, immediately followed by an upset loss to Northern Illinois. They are one of the hottest teams in College football. They have one of the best running games in the nation , led by quarterback Riley Leonard, who has contributed both through the air and on the ground with a astonishing 30 total touchdowns. Running Back Jeremiyah Love is one of the nations best, averaging over 7 yards per carry. The Irish have a formidable defense, ranking 10th in the nation for yards allowed per game.
• Indiana has had a historic season under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti, setting a new school record with 11 wins. Their only loss was against Ohio State. Indiana has shown strength in both offense and defense, with standout performances from quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who has had a top-10 ranking in completion percentage and passing touchdowns this season.
• Offense vs. Defense: Indiana’s high-scoring offense (ranked second in the nation for scoring) will face a tough challenge against Notre Dame’s stingy defense. The Hoosiers have been particularly effective on offense, outscoring opponents by huge margins. Led by Safety Xavier Watts, the Irish have a defense that scores on a regular basis, most recently housing 2 pick-6’s in their last game vs USC.
• Running Game: Notre Dame’s rushing attack, with Jeremiyah Love, Jadarian Price, and Riley Leonard, will test an Indiana defense that has improved markedly in the latter part of the season, holding opponents to few yards and to very few points allowed.

• This game marks the first time since 1991 that Notre Dame and Indiana have met in football. Notre Dame leads the all-time series 23-5-1.
• It will be the first College Football Playoff game to be played on a college campus due to the expanded 12-team playoff format.
• The winner of this matchup will advance to face No. 2 seed Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2025.
• Notre Dame Stadium should provide the home-field advantage for the Irish, but the Hoosiers attend class just a few hours south so should be well represented. Weather may be a factor as it’s not uncommon to see snow in South Bend in December.

This game promises to be one to remember. It’s not only the Indiana State Championship, it’s also the first step to a National Championship.

Photos courtesy of AP, ESPN, Yahoo Sports, NBC, and the NCAA.

“Cowboy Regg” – Co-Host of the “Sons of the Star” Podcast. The podcast is available on Apple, YouTube, and Spotify. 

Follow him on X at: @Irish_Cowboy88