Notre Dame vs. Indiana: Predictions, odds for College Football Playoff

The first-ever first-round matchup of the 12-team College Football Playoff will be an in-state rivalry game that’s rarely played.

No. 7 seed Notre Dame is set to host No. 10 seed Indiana on Friday, Dec. 19, with the winner advancing to the CFP quarterfinals to face No. 2 seed Georgia at the Sugar Bowl. It will be the first meeting in football between the Hoosiers and Fighting Irish since 1991 and just their second game against one another in the past 65 years, despite their campuses being just about 200 miles apart.

Led by coach Marcus Freeman’s ferocious defense, a potent rushing attack and the steady play of quarterback Riley Leonard, Notre Dame is the favorite after an 11-1 regular season in which it won by double digits in all but one game. The Fighting Irish reeled off 10 wins in a row following their shocking upset loss to Northern Illinois in September.

Indiana is in the midst of the best season in program history, with only a loss to fellow CFP qualifier Ohio State on its resume this year. First-year coach Curt Cignetti has the nation’s second-highest scoring offense and the Hoosiers also rank second in the country in total defense entering Friday’s first-round game. Though Indiana’s strength of schedule was questioned during the CFP selection process, its average margin of victory this season is more than 33 points per game.

But the playoffs will be a new challenge for both teams, with a national championship just four wins away. Here’s a look at some predictions for Notre Dame vs. Indiana, as well as odds, betting lines and how to watch this highly anticipated primetime matchup to start the 12-team CFP era.

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CFP first-round predictions: Notre Dame vs. Indiana

USA Today: No. 7 Notre Dame over No. 10 Indiana

Paul Myerberg writes: “A relatively weak strength of schedule has Notre Dame flying under the radar as a legitimate contender. The Fighting Irish have one of the best-balanced team from offense to defense and special teams. Likewise with Indiana, even if the Hoosiers’ chances of winning one or more playoff games is viewed with a high degree of skepticism. Look for Notre Dame to slow down Kurtis Rourke and the Hoosiers while punishing the Indiana defense with the nation’s third-ranked running game in yards per carry.”

ESPN: Notre Dame has 73.7% chance to win

According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have a 70.4% chance to beat the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round of the College Football Playoff as of Friday, December 13.

The Sporting News: Notre Dame 28, Indiana 24

Bill Bender writes: “Indiana allowed 2.5 yards per carry this season, and that run defense will be tested by the Irish trio of Riley Leonard (721 yards, 5.8 ypc.), Jeremiyah Love (949 yards, 7.1 ypc.) and Jadarian Price (651, 7.3 ypc.). Kurtis Rourke will test an opportunistic Notre Dame secondary, and the Hoosiers will need the running game to be in order, too. It’s been a dream season for Indiana coach Curt Cignetti. Will it continue against the Irish? Notre Dame covered in each of its last seven games, but this one stays tighter.”

Fox Sports: Indiana wins

RJ Young writes: “The Fighting Irish will face the most complete team they’ve seen all year in Indiana. The Hoosiers have beaten 10 out of 12 opponents by double-digits and believe they are the best team in the state of Indiana. However, Al Golden’s defense has been outstanding, allowing only one team to score 35 points in a game this season.”

CFP first-round odds, lines: Notre Dame vs. Indiana

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are favorites to defeat the Indiana Hoosiers, according to the BetMGM college football odds.

Odds as of Wednesday, Dec. 18.

• Spread: Notre Dame (-7.5)
• Moneylines: Notre Dame (-300); Indiana (+230)
• Over/under: 51.5

How to watch Notre Dame vs. Indiana in CFP first round

• Date: Friday, Dec. 20
• Time: 8 p.m. ET
• TV: ABC/ESPN
• Stream: Fubo (free trial for new subscribers)
• Where: Notre Dame Stadium (Notre Dame, Indiana)

Watch select CFP games with Fubo

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