The first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff has presented some good matchups. Here is the CFP First Round Preview: Indiana at Notre Dame.
Indiana won 11 games this season, which helped them get selected for the CFP. They defeated three bowl-eligible teams this season: Nebraska, Washington and Michigan. Their lone loss was to Ohio State, who made the CFP field.
The Hoosiers have had a high-scoring offense this season, putting up 43.3 points per game. They pass for 265.2 yards (ranked 29th) and rush for 173.6 yards per game (ranked 51st).
Ohio transfer Kurtis Rourke has been incredible for the Hoosiers this season at quarterback. He has passed for 2,827 yards, 27 touchdowns and four interceptions on 70.4 percent completion. Five pass-catchers have at least 300 receiving yards on the season. James Madison transfer Elijah Sarratt leads the team with 49 catches for 890 yards and eight touchdowns.
Four running backs have at least 200 rushing yards for the Hoosiers this season. Justice Ellison has had the most work, finishing the regular season with 811 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Ty’Son Lawton has also been a factor with 634 yards and 12 touchdowns.
On defense, the Hoosiers concede 14.7 points per game, ranking sixth in the FBS. They allow 70.8 rushing yards (ranked first) and 174 rushing yards per game (ranked ninth). Aiden Fisher has been all over the field with 108 total tackles. Mikail Kamara has provided pressure on the quarterback with 10 sacks. D’Angelo Ponds has been a standout in the secondary with nine passes defended and two interceptions.
Notre Dame won 11 games and currently has a 10-game win streak going. They defeated seven bowl-eligible teams in the regular season: Texas A&M, Miami (OH), Louisville, Georgia Tech, Navy, Army and USC. Their lone loss of the season was to Northern Illinois, who did make a bowl game.
The Fighting Irish have scored a lot this season, as they average 39.8 points per game, ranking third in the country. They pass for 196.4 yards (ranked 101st) and rush for 224.8 yards per game (ranked 10th).
Duke transfer Riley Leonard as operated the offense at the quarterback position. He has passed for 2,092 yards, 16 touchdowns and five interceptions on 66.2 percent completion. Five players have at least 200 receiving yards this season for the Fighting Irish. Clemson transfer Beaux Collins has been the leading receiver with 34 catches for 427 yards and two touchdowns.
Two running backs have created a great duo for Notre Dame. Jeremiyah Love leads the team with 949 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Jadarian Price has been effective with 651 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Leonard has helped out from the quarterback position with his legs, putting up 721 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground.
The Fighting Irish defense allows 13.6 points per game, ranking third in the country. They give up 138.8 rushing yards (ranked 51st) and 157.9 passing yards per game (ranked third). Jack Kiser has led the team with 64 total tackles this season. Rylie Mills has the team-high with 6.5 sacks. Xavier Watts has been one of the best safeties in the country with eight passes defended and five interceptions.
Notre Dame’s defense is great and more battle-tested than Indiana’s. They should be able to run the ball, much-like Ohio State did against Indiana. The Hoosiers were blown out by Ohio State, so Notre Dame may not blow them out, but they can pull away late for the win.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish 28 Indiana Hoosiers 17
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