- NCAA. College Football Playoff Odds 2024/25: What team is more likely to win this year?
- NCAA. College Football Playoff 2024-25: matchups, schedule, dates and everything you need to know
The 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) brings a familiar but long-dormant rivalry back to life as the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish face off against the No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers. This highly anticipated first-round game is set to take place on December 20 at Notre Dame Stadium. It marks the first meeting between these in-state rivals since 1991, adding a layer of nostalgia to what is already shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown.
This rivalry stretches back to 1898, with Notre Dame dominating the head-to-head record. The two teams have faced each other 29 times, with the Fighting Irish holding a commanding lead of 23 wins, 5 losses, and 1 tie.
Notre Dame also claimed victory in the last six matchups, including a 49-27 win in 1991, the final meeting before the rivalry went on hiatus. For Indiana, this playoff game represents a rare chance to even the score and redefine its place in college football history.
Paths to the Playoff
Both Indiana and Notre Dame had to overcome adversity to make it to the College Football Playoff. Notre Dame enters as the No. 7 seed with an 11-1 record, having dominated most of their schedule.
The Irish are known for their defensive toughness and methodical rushing attack. Their only blemish this season came in a surprising loss to Northern Illinois, a defeat that briefly put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. However, Notre Dame recovered, finishing the season with ten double-digit wins, a testament to their consistency on both offense and defense.
Indiana's journey to the CFP was nothing short of historic. For the first time in program history, the Hoosiers opened the season 10-0, making them one of only a handful of teams in college football history to do so.
Although their perfect season was spoiled by a loss to Ohio State, Indiana's resume was strong enough to secure the No. 10 seed. Their offense, led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke, was one of the most explosive in the Big Ten.
What time is the Indiana vs Notre Dame clash
The Indiana vs. Notre Dame College Football Playoff first-round game is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 20, at 19:30 ET / 16:30 PT.
Where to watch the Indiana vs Notre Dame duel
You can watch the Indiana vs. Notre Dame College Football Playoff first-round game live on ESPN.