The first game of the 12-team playoff is an in-state rivalry between two 11-1 teams as No. 7 Notre Dame will host No. 10 Indiana on Friday, December 20 at Notre Dame Stadium.
Notre Dame enters the playoff on 10-game winning streak, including big wins over Army and Southern Cal in their last two games where the Irish combined for 98 points. Quarterback Riley Leonard has thrown just eight incompletions over the last two games, as ND prioritizes running the football. Running back Jerimiyah Love ranks near the top of the nation with 15 rushing touchdowns on the season.
In the midst of the best season in program history, Indiana looks to keep the magic going behind first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. Transfer quarterback Kurtis Rourke has led the Indiana football revolution, ranking top-10 in completion percentage and passing touchdowns. Indiana ranks second in the nation in scoring offense after a season-high 66 points in their last game.