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NCAA 2024-2025 Bowl Games CFP Playoff First Round: Indiana Hoosiers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish – December 20, 2024, at Notre Dame Stadium Skull Helmet Head-to-Head
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The 2024-2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) is finally here, and one of the most anticipated matchups in the First Round features an exciting in-state rivalry: the Indiana Hoosiers vs the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This thrilling game will take place on December 20, 2024, at Notre Dame Stadium, a venue that promises to be electric as both teams battle for a spot in the quarterfinals of the newly expanded 12-team playoff.
With both teams boasting identical 11-1 records, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Notre Dame enters the postseason on the heels of a 10-game winning streak, while Indiana has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, enjoying their best year in recent memory under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. The clash of these two powerhouse programs makes for an exciting preview of what’s to come in the 2024 CFP.
In this comprehensive preview, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this high-stakes matchup, from key players and team strengths to the historic rivalry between these two programs. Get ready for an in-depth analysis of what promises to be one of the most thrilling games of the postseason.
The Road to the Playoff: How Indiana and Notre Dame Got Here
The College Football Playoff’s transition from a four-team to a 12-team format has added a new level of excitement to college football. This first-round game between Indiana and Notre Dame is an in-state rivalry that promises fireworks. But how did these two teams get here?
Indiana Hoosiers’ Historic Season
In 2024, the Indiana Hoosiers are making their mark on college football under new head coach Curt Cignetti. With a new approach and a potent offense, the Hoosiers have stunned the nation. With an 11-1 record, they have been a force to be reckoned with all season, ranking as high as #8 in the final CFP rankings.
What stands out about Indiana this season? Their high-powered offense has been unpredictable and explosive, ranking second in the nation in scoring offense, averaging an impressive 43.3 points per game. The Hoosiers are led by transfer quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who has been one of the most efficient passers in the country. Rourke ranks in the top 10 for both completion percentage and passing touchdowns. His ability to spread the ball and lead Indiana’s attack has been key to their success.
But it’s not just the passing game that makes Indiana dangerous. Justice Ellison, their leading rusher with 811 yards, provides a balanced offensive attack, and wide receiver Elijah Sarratt, with 890 receiving yards, has been a consistent playmaker on the outside.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A 10-Game Winning Streak
On the other side, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been dominant throughout the 2024 season, entering the CFP as the #5 seed with an 11-1 record. Their 10-game winning streak heading into the postseason is a testament to their ability to win under pressure, and they’ve delivered some impressive victories along the way.
One of the key elements of Notre Dame’s offense is their power running game, led by Jerimiyah Love, who has rushed for nearly 950 yards and ranks among the nation’s leaders in touchdowns with 15. Notre Dame has been committed to running the ball effectively, with quarterback Riley Leonard contributing as both a passer and a runner. Leonard’s ability to manage the game and control the tempo has been crucial for the Irish, especially in their last two games, where they put up 98 combined points against Army and Southern Cal.
Defensively, the Fighting Irish have been stingy, allowing only 13.6 points per game, which ranks among the best in the nation. Led by linebacker Jack Kiser, who has accumulated 64 tackles, Notre Dame’s defense has proven to be both fast and aggressive.
Team Stats and Key Comparisons: Notre Dame vs Indiana
As we get closer to December 20, it’s essential to look at the key statistical comparisons between these two teams. While both have strong offenses, the defensive and special teams performances will likely be just as important in this game.
Offensive Comparison: Notre Dame vs Indiana
| Statistic | Notre Dame | Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 39.8 | 43.3 |
| Total Yards | 461.3 | 512.2 |
| Rushing Yards/Game | 215.6 | 134.2 |
| Passing Yards/Game | 245.7 | 378.0 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 10 |
Defensive Comparison: Notre Dame vs Indiana
| Statistic | Notre Dame | Indiana |
|---|---|---|
| Points Against/Game | 13.6 | 14.7 |
| Total Yards Allowed | 285.2 | 337.4 |
| Rush Yards Allowed | 106.3 | 112.3 |
| Pass Yards Allowed | 178.9 | 225.1 |
| Sacks | 3.5 | 2.2 |
Key Takeaways:
- Notre Dame’s defense is one of the most formidable in the nation, particularly against the pass. Their secondary will have to be sharp to handle Indiana’s potent aerial attack.
- Indiana’s offense is dynamic and high-scoring, but they’ll face a tough challenge going up against Notre Dame’s top-ranked defense.
- Turnovers will be key. Both teams have been effective at taking care of the ball, but the team that wins the turnover battle will have a significant advantage.
Key Players to Watch
Notre Dame:
- Riley Leonard (QB) – A dual-threat quarterback who can hurt teams both through the air and on the ground.
- Jerimiyah Love (RB) – One of the nation’s top running backs with 15 touchdowns this season.
- Jack Kiser (LB) – The heart and soul of Notre Dame’s defense, Kiser is a tackling machine who will be crucial in slowing down Indiana’s offense.
Indiana:
- Kurtis Rourke (QB) – The transfer quarterback has been one of the nation’s most efficient passers and is crucial to Indiana’s success.
- Justice Ellison (RB) – While Indiana is primarily a passing team, Ellison provides balance in the ground game.
- Elijah Sarratt (WR) – A big-play receiver who can stretch the field and make critical catches in key moments.
What’s at Stake: The Road to the CFP National Championship
For both teams, this game represents a golden opportunity to move one step closer to the CFP National Championship. With the expanded 12-team bracket, the winner of this game will advance to the quarterfinals, where the competition will get even tougher. The stakes are high, and both teams will be leaving everything on the field.
For Notre Dame, a win would keep their national title hopes alive and could propel them into the semifinals with a chance to compete for their first national title since 1988.
For Indiana, this would be their first-ever appearance in the quarterfinals, and a win would validate their historic season under Coach Cignetti. The Hoosiers have proven they can compete with the best, and an upset victory over Notre Dame would solidify their place among the elite teams in college football.
Why This Game Matters
This game is much more than just another bowl game—it’s a chance for both teams to continue their quest for the CFP National Championship. With both teams ranked in the top 10 of the final CFP rankings and boasting explosive offenses, this matchup will be a thrilling contest of offensive firepower and strategic defense. Both teams have outstanding individual players who can turn the game on its head, and the stage is set for an unforgettable clash of styles.
The Key Matchup: High-Octane Offenses Face Strong Defenses
Both teams come into this game with identical records of 11-1, but how they’ve achieved success differs in several key areas. While Notre Dame has leaned heavily on its power running game, Indiana has thrived through its high-flying passing attack. Let’s take a look at some of the key aspects of each team’s game plan and how they match up heading into the First Round of the 2024 CFP.
Notre Dame’s Ground Game vs Indiana’s Aerial Assault
Notre Dame has been unstoppable on the ground in 2024. With Jerimiyah Love, who has accumulated 949 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, the Irish have dominated time of possession and controlled the tempo of games. Quarterback Riley Leonard, while not a pass-heavy player, has shown he can be effective when needed, especially in short-yardage situations and scrambling for first downs.
Key Stats:
- Jerimiyah Love – 949 yards, 15 TDs
- Riley Leonard (QB) – Efficient but rarely asked to throw the ball, especially in recent games.
In contrast, Indiana has relied on its explosive passing attack, with Kurtis Rourke at the helm. Rourke has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country, ranking in the top-10 for completion percentage and passing touchdowns. The Hoosiers rank second in the nation in scoring offense, averaging an impressive 43.3 points per game.
Key Stats:
- Kurtis Rourke (QB) – Top-10 in passing yards and touchdowns.
- Elijah Sarratt (WR) – 890 yards receiving, a go-to target for Rourke.
While Indiana has been able to score quickly and in bunches, they’ll face one of the toughest defenses in the country in Notre Dame, which has allowed just 13.6 points per game, the best in the nation.
Defensive Playmakers: Who Will Step Up?
Both teams are also well-coached on defense, with players who can take over games when it matters most.
Notre Dame’s Defensive Leaders:
- Jack Kiser (LB): With 64 tackles, Kiser is the heart of Notre Dame’s defense. His leadership on the field will be crucial against Indiana’s high-powered offense.
- Tariq Bracy (CB): A lock-down corner, Bracy’s ability to disrupt passing plays will be pivotal in slowing down Rourke and the Hoosiers’ passing game.
Indiana’s Defensive Leaders:
- Aidan Fisher (LB): Fisher leads the team with 108 tackles and will need to be on his game, especially with the ball often in his hands due to Notre Dame’s run-heavy offense.
- DJ Moore (CB): Moore will likely be tasked with containing Notre Dame’s top receivers, including Beaux Collins, who has been instrumental in moving the chains.
The Matchup Breakdown: Key Areas to Watch
1. Turnovers: Who Will Protect the Ball?
One of the most important factors in this game will be turnovers. Both teams have been relatively disciplined in protecting the ball, but the team that wins the turnover battle will have a major advantage. Indiana has a slightly higher turnover rate, and Notre Dame will look to capitalize on any mistakes made by Rourke, especially through interceptions or fumbles.
2. Special Teams: Field Position Matters
In a tight game like this, field position will play a significant role. Both teams have competent special teams units, but mistakes or breakdowns could be costly. Watch for potential long returns or big plays in the return game.
3. Coaching Adjustments: Cignetti vs Freeman
Head coach Curt Cignetti has worked wonders in his first season at Indiana, guiding them to their best record in years. However, he will face one of the best in the business in Marcus Freeman, who has led Notre Dame to a 10-game winning streak. Cignetti’s ability to adjust to Notre Dame’s defense, and Freeman’s counter to Indiana’s explosive offense, will be fascinating to watch.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About the Notre Dame vs Indiana Game
Q: What time is the Notre Dame vs Indiana game on December 20, 2024?
A: The game will kick off at 3:30 PM ET on December 20, 2024, at Notre Dame Stadium.
Q: Where can I watch the game?
A: The game will be broadcast live on ESPN, with coverage starting at 3:00 PM ET. You can also stream the game via the ESPN app or through various cable/satellite services.
Q: How can I get tickets for the game?
A: Tickets for the game can be purchased directly from the Notre Dame Athletic Ticket Office or via trusted secondary market platforms like StubHub.
Q: Who are the favorite players to watch in this game?
A: Keep an eye on Jerimiyah Love (RB) for Notre Dame and Kurtis Rourke (QB) for Indiana, as both have been pivotal to their teams’ success. Jack Kiser (LB) for Notre Dame and Aidan Fisher (LB) for Indiana will also be crucial on defense.
What’s at Stake: The Road to the CFP National Championship
The stakes couldn’t be higher for both teams. The winner of this game will advance to the CFP quarterfinals, where the competition will only get tougher. Both programs have a rich football tradition and have been close to national glory in recent years. For Indiana, this is an opportunity to take the next step in their historic season, while for Notre Dame, this game is a chance to continue their march toward a national title.
If you’re a fan of college football, this is a game you won’t want to miss!
External Links:
As December 20 approaches, be sure to follow all the latest news, predictions, and updates for this epic clash between two of the nation’s top teams. The road to the 2024-2025 CFP National Championship starts here—don’t miss a moment of the action!
