You couldn't ask for more-perfect venue for the first game of the expanded College Football Playoff. Notre Dame rose to power in the first half of the 20th century and has been one of the preeminent programs since. In a fitting twist, the Fighting Irish will host a team that has never been on the national stage in this fashion.
But that will matter little to Indiana after a breakout campaign in coach Curt Cignetti's first season. The Hoosiers have won 11 games for the first time. The downside? None of those wins came against a team the caliber of Notre Dame.
That makes them as close to a Cinderella as there can be in the playoff. And who doesn't love a Cinderella story? It shapes up to be an amazing scene in South Bend with cold conditions and potential snow all in the shadow of the Golden Dome on the iconic Notre Dame campus. Who will win? Our experts provide their predictions.
Scooby Axson The Hoosiers have been a nice story, but which Indiana team will we see? The one that dominated their less-talented competition, or the one that was run off the field by Ohio State when it stepped up in class. Notre Dame has its own playoff demons to exorcise, and the Irish’s defense will be enough to send Cinderella home early. Notre Dame 31, Indiana 20 .
Jordan Mendoza Indiana has had a fantastic season, but it’ll face a defense that really toughened up in the second half of the season. Kurtis Rourke is able to put some cracks in the passing defense, but he is unable to lead a game-.
