Indiana Hoosiers at Notre Dame Fighting Irish Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/20/2024 8:00 PM EST

We have your Indiana Hoosiers at Notre Dame Fighting Irish prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Indiana Hoosiers hit the road to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Indiana Hoosiers at Notre Dame Fighting Irish Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Indiana Hoosiers +240 (BetMGM) / Notre Dame Fighting Irish -300 (BetMGM)
Best Spread Odds: -7.5 - Indiana Hoosiers -110 (FanDuel) / Notre Dame Fighting Irish -110 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 51.5 - Under -110 (FanDuel) / Over -110 (FanDuel)

Game Info

Date: 12/20/2024
Time: 8:00 PM EST
Location: Notre Dame Stadium
TV: ABC

Indiana Hoosiers at Notre Dame Fighting Irish Preview

The upcoming College Football Playoff matchup between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish promises to be a thrilling contest, steeped in both rivalry and high stakes. Both teams enter the playoff with impressive 11-1 records, a testament to their successful seasons bolstered by strategic use of the transfer portal. Notre Dame, under the guidance of head coach Marcus Freeman, has maintained a balanced approach, supplementing their high school recruiting with key transfers like quarterback Riley Leonard from Duke, who has been instrumental in their offensive success. Leonard has not only matched the program's rushing touchdown record but also led the team to a formidable average margin of victory of 26.3 points, the best in the nation.

Indiana, on the other hand, has leaned heavily on the transfer portal under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti, bringing in a significant number of players from his former program at James Madison. This influx of talent has transformed the Hoosiers into a formidable force, particularly on defense, where they rank sixth nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 14.7 points per game. The Hoosiers' defense, led by standout transfers like Mikail Kamara and Aiden Fisher, has been particularly effective at pressuring opposing quarterbacks, amassing 34 sacks this season.

Offensively, Indiana is spearheaded by quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who leads the nation in passing efficiency. Rourke's connection with fellow transfer Elijah Sarratt has been a key component of Indiana's second-ranked scoring offense. However, the Hoosiers face a significant challenge in Notre Dame's stout defense, which ranks third nationally in scoring defense. The Fighting Irish have been particularly adept at creating turnovers, boasting a plus-16 turnover margin, second only to Indiana's plus-15.

This matchup is not only a battle for a spot in the next round of the playoffs but also a contest for in-state bragging rights. The game will be played at Notre Dame Stadium, where the Fighting Irish will look to leverage their home-field advantage. As both teams prepare to clash, the focus will be on whether Indiana's top-ranked run defense can stifle Notre Dame's potent rushing attack, led by running back Jeremiyah Love. The outcome of this game will hinge on which team can impose its will in the trenches and capitalize on its strengths.

Indiana Hoosiers at Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pick: Notre Dame Fighting Irish Moneyline

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are poised to secure a victory over the Indiana Hoosiers in their upcoming College Football Playoff matchup, and several factors support this pick. Notre Dame's home-field advantage at Notre Dame Stadium cannot be understated, as the atmosphere is expected to be electric, providing a significant boost to the Irish. The Fighting Irish have demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the season, boasting an impressive 11-1 record and a nation-leading average margin of victory of 26.3 points. This dominance is largely attributed to the stellar play of quarterback Riley Leonard, whose dual-threat capabilities have been a cornerstone of Notre Dame's offensive success. Leonard's ability to both pass and run effectively, as evidenced by his record-tying 14 rushing touchdowns, presents a formidable challenge for any defense.

Defensively, Notre Dame has been exceptional, ranking third nationally in scoring defense. Their ability to create turnovers, with a plus-16 turnover margin, is a testament to their disciplined and opportunistic play. This defensive prowess will be crucial in countering Indiana's high-powered offense, led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke. While Rourke has been outstanding in passing efficiency, the Hoosiers have yet to face a defense of Notre Dame's caliber, particularly one that excels in pressuring quarterbacks and forcing mistakes.

Moreover, Notre Dame's rushing attack, spearheaded by Jeremiyah Love, is set to test Indiana's top-ranked run defense. The Irish have consistently demonstrated their ability to run the ball effectively, ranking second nationally with 6.3 yards per carry. This balanced offensive approach, combined with a stout defense, positions Notre Dame as the favorite to advance in the playoffs.

While Indiana has made significant strides under head coach Curt Cignetti, largely due to their strategic use of the transfer portal, their relatively soft schedule raises questions about their readiness to face a team of Notre Dame's caliber. The Hoosiers' lone game against a ranked opponent resulted in a lopsided loss to Ohio State, highlighting potential vulnerabilities against top-tier competition.

The combination of Notre Dame's home-field advantage, balanced offensive attack, and formidable defense makes them the clear choice to win this matchup. Expect the Fighting Irish to capitalize on their strengths and secure a victory over the Hoosiers, advancing further in the College Football Playoff.

Indiana Hoosiers at Notre Dame Fighting Irish Top Player Prop Picks

Riley Leonard Over 1.5 Passing TDs +115 (BetMGM)

Riley Leonard has been a pivotal force for Notre Dame's offense, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities throughout the season. With a record-tying 14 rushing touchdowns, Leonard's ability to find the end zone is well-documented. However, his passing prowess should not be underestimated, especially against an Indiana defense that, while strong, has not faced a quarterback of Leonard's caliber. The Hoosiers' defense, despite its impressive statistics, has largely been tested against less formidable offenses. Leonard's efficiency and Notre Dame's balanced offensive attack make the over on 1.5 passing touchdowns an enticing proposition, particularly given the odds.

Kurtis Rourke Over 198.5 Passing Yards -114 (FanDuel)

Kurtis Rourke leads the nation in passing efficiency, a testament to his precision and ability to dissect defenses. Despite facing a formidable Notre Dame defense, Rourke's connection with Elijah Sarratt and other key receivers has been a cornerstone of Indiana's offensive success. The Hoosiers' reliance on the passing game, combined with Rourke's efficiency, suggests that he will surpass the 198.5 passing yards mark. Notre Dame's defense, while strong, will be tested by Rourke's quick release and ability to exploit any lapses in coverage, making the over on this prop a solid choice.

Jeremiyah Love Over 91.5 Rushing Yards -114 (FanDuel)

Jeremiyah Love has been a standout performer for Notre Dame, leading their rushing attack with an impressive 7.1 yards per carry. His ability to break through defenses has been a key factor in Notre Dame's offensive success. Indiana's defense, while ranked highly against the run, has not faced a rushing attack as potent as Notre Dame's. Love's combination of speed, agility, and power makes him a constant threat to break off big runs. Given Notre Dame's commitment to establishing the run and Love's track record, the over on 91.5 rushing yards is a compelling pick, especially in a high-stakes playoff environment where the Irish will look to control the game on the ground.