CFP 4% BATTLE OF INDIANA

Handicapper

Dan Kaiser

League

NCAAF

Competition

Indiana vs Notre Dame

Time

12/20/2024 08:10 PM

Bet Type

Point Spread

Pick

Indiana +6.5 (-105) (BetMGM)

Outcome

Loss

Analysis

The College Football Playoffs kicks off on Friday with a battle for Indiana. The Indiana Hoosiers head North to take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend. The eighth-ranked Hoosiers finished the season at 11-1, while the fifth ranked fifth Irish also finished at 11-1 including 10 in a row, Indiana has to be one of, if not the biggest surprise this season under first year coach Curt Cignetti. Indiana’s only loss was to Ohio State on the road. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke threw for 2827 yards with 27 touchdowns and just four interceptions. They used a three mas rushing attack that amassed over 1700 yards and 24 touchdowns. Indiana is ranked second in scoring offense as well as #1 in red zone offense. On the defensive side, they are sixth in scoring defense. They are second against the run and 13th against the pass. Notre Dame suffered an embarrassing upset loss to Northern Illinois early in the season but won ten in a row since. The Irish relied on their rushing attack that averaged over 6 yards a carry and registered 40 touchdowns. Jeremiah Love had 978 yards and 15 touchdowns. Jadarian Price added 792 yards and added 14 touchdowns. Quarterback Riley Leonard rushed for 792 yards and 14 touchdowns and he threw for 2092 yards with 16 touchdowns with five interceptions. The Irish rank third in scoring defense. They are 29th against the run and third against the pass. On the offensive side, they rank third in scoring offense. They are second in the country in rushing and 96th through the air. Indiana is 8-1 against Power Four Conference teams this year and 3-1 on the road. The Irish are undefeated against Power Four Conference teams this season and 4-0 against ranked opponents. The Irish rely on the run but Indiana has the second ranked rush defense. The Irish’s top running back suffered an injury in his last game and his availability will be key for the Irish. Indiana is tops in the country in red zone offense. The Irish rank 27th in the red zone. The forecast calls for frigid temperatures and possible lake-effect snow, conditions that will play more to a rushing attack from both teams. Keeping this game low-scoring and close. Take the points in this one. Play on Indiana. This is a 4% play