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Writer's pictureBrandon Lundberg

College Football Playoff Preview: Notre Dame vs. Indiana – Can the Irish’s Run Game Overpower the Hoosiers’ Defense?

No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers at No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish

(Friday, 8 PM EST on ABC/ESPN)

Notre Dame’s elite rushing attack has carried the team all season, but Indiana’s defense presents its toughest challenge yet.



Can Notre Dame’s Ground Game Dominate Indiana’s Stout Defense?

Notre Dame’s elite rushing attack has carried the team all season, but Indiana’s defense presents its toughest challenge yet. The Fighting Irish rank third in the FBS in rushing EPA and lead Power Four teams with 6.7 yards per carry. However, Indiana’s defense allows only 3.7 yards per attempt and leads the nation in yards before contact allowed (0.8).


The battle between Notre Dame’s offensive line and Indiana’s physical front seven will likely determine the game. If Notre Dame can establish the run, it will control the tempo. But if Indiana can force Riley Leonard into third-and-long situations, the Hoosiers could have a chance to pull off the upset.


Three Keys for Notre Dame to Win

1. Dominate on the Ground

Notre Dame’s rushing attack, led by Jeremiyah Love and quarterback Riley Leonard, has been the backbone of their offense. The Fighting Irish must control the clock and wear down Indiana’s defense to dictate the pace of the game.


2. Force Kurtis Rourke into Mistakes

Notre Dame’s pass rush and secondary must pressure Indiana QB Kurtis Rourke, who thrives under pressure with a nation-leading 87.0 PFF passing grade. Generating turnovers will be critical for Notre Dame to prevent Indiana’s explosive offense from finding rhythm.


3. Win the Trenches on Defense

Notre Dame’s defensive line needs to stifle Indiana’s rushing attack and force the Hoosiers into obvious passing situations. A dominant performance in the trenches could limit Indiana’s balanced offense.


Key NFL Draft Prospect to Watch for Notre Dame:

Xavier Watts, Safety

Watts is a ball-hawking safety with a 30.4 passer rating allowed and an 85.6 PFF grade. His ability to shut down passing lanes and force turnovers could be pivotal in neutralizing Indiana’s offense.


Xavier Watts, Notre Dame

Three Keys for Indiana to Win

1. Disrupt Notre Dame’s Offense

Indiana’s standout edge rusher Mikail Kamara must lead the charge. With 60 pressures (2nd in the nation) and an 89.2 PFF grade, Kamara can disrupt Notre Dame’s ground game and force Riley Leonard into difficult throws under duress.


2. Protect Kurtis Rourke

Indiana’s offensive line must hold up against Notre Dame’s pass rush to give Rourke time to operate. Rourke is second among FBS QBs with a 91.8 passing grade, but he needs a clean pocket to connect with his receivers.


3. Limit Big Plays on Defense

Indiana’s zone-heavy defense has excelled at preventing explosive plays. They must bottle up Notre Dame’s three-headed rushing attack and force Leonard to beat them through the air, where he has struggled against zone coverage.


Key NFL Draft Prospect to Watch for Indiana:

Mikail Kamara, EDGE

Kamara is the centerpiece of Indiana’s defense, combining explosiveness and versatility to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. A game-changing performance from him could swing the outcome in Indiana’s favor.


Mikail Kamara, Indiana

Current Odds and Prediction

  • Notre Dame: -8

  • Implied Game Total: 48 Points

The predicted final score is approximately 27-21 in favor of Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish’s dominant ground game, combined with their home-field advantage, makes them the favorite. However, Indiana’s elite pass defense and big-play ability on offense give them a legitimate chance to pull off the upset if they can control the line of scrimmage and limit mistakes. This game is a true clash of styles, with Notre Dame’s methodical rushing attack battling Indiana’s balanced offensive firepower and stout defensive front.

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