Who wins?

I'll be breaking out my lucky four leaf clover and hoping to get IU a win in this one.

I really like this matchup. If the Hoosiers are capable of passing the ball successfully, I really like their chances.

Weather could be huge in this one. Frigid cold or slick field really benefits ND.

ND -8.5

O/U 51.5

Via Draftkings 

The other factor coming to mind for me is Indiana being on the big stage as they were against Ohio State. Ohio State clearly was the better and talented team overall but I don’t believe that they were as many points better as they won by. This could factor in with Notre Dame too. I need to think on this one a little more, I still like the matchup in ways for the Hoosiers.

Love to see the Hoosiers get this one, but as I always told my guys when I coached in a Catholic school during Lent( basketball season) we don't lose on Friday night because we are hungry. You had to be there lol.

Notre Dame names this score and Indiana spends the winter wondering if they jumped the gun on that huge extension for their coach after he loses his only 2 games of the year against ranked opponents. 

On 12/8/2024 at 9:17 PM, ChickenWyngz said:

Notre Dame names this score and Indiana spends the winter wondering if they jumped the gun on that huge extension for their coach after he loses his only 2 games of the year against ranked opponents. 

Indiana is 95-166 over the last twenty years. I highly doubt there will be buyer's remorse over an 11-2 season that ends with a first round playoff loss at Notre Dame.

37 minutes ago, gchs_uk9 said:

Indiana is 95-166 over the last twenty years. I highly doubt there will be buyer's remorse over an 11-2 season that ends with a first round playoff loss at Notre Dame.

I agree and wouldn’t think so either. 

Marcus Freeman was not happy that the Irish ended up as a 7 seed so there will be a chip on their shoulder for this one.  But that NIU loss was silly and never should have happened.  Irish will win this by at least one touchdown and then head to the Sugar Bowl for the Bulldogs.

On 12/13/2024 at 6:57 PM, DanvilleFan said:

Marcus Freeman was not happy that the Irish ended up as a 7 seed so there will be a chip on their shoulder for this one.  But that NIU loss was silly and never should have happened.  Irish will win this by at least one touchdown and then head to the Sugar Bowl for the Bulldogs.

By rule the highest possible seed for Notre Dame was a 5 since they can't be a conference winner. Had they defeated Northern Illinois and been a 5-seed (with all else being equal), they would have hosted Clemson before playing Arizona State. That likely would have been a much easier route than their current draw of Indiana and Georgia. But that's what is good about the playoff - it theoretically makes every game count.

Notre Dame 34-27.

I really hope Indiana can win, but I think Notre Dame is going to be too physical running the ball and defensively. Factor in the colder weather and snow if there is more and I think it’s too much for the Hoosiers to overcome. Hopefully I’m wrong though.

Irish cover.