Marcus Freeman is entering his third season as the head coach of Notre Dame, and for the first time, he is living out the playoff ambition that has been at the forefront since his arrival. After finishing the regular season with ten consecutive victories, he now aims to guide the seventh-seeded Fighting Irish as they face off against their 10th-seeded in-state rivals, Indiana, this Friday.
Freeman reflected on the team’s journey, noting, “We’ve been in the playoffs since Week 3,” referring to the crucial moment the team experienced following their unexpected defeat to Northern Illinois. He emphasized the mentality that every game is critical, pushing his players to maintain focus without feeling undue pressure. This sense of urgency is palpable, especially since the Irish (11-1) are aware this postseason opportunity is unique.
It has been a long wait for Notre Dame, as they last competed for a national championship in 1988, their longest dry spell since claiming their inaugural title in 1924. Unlike previous playoffs, this matchup marks the first time the Fighting Irish will host a postseason game on their campus, making it a historic moment for both the program and the fans.
The atmosphere surrounding this game is unprecedented. It’s not just any playoff – it’s the first time Notre Dame Stadium will welcome a game on a Friday night, and notably, it’s the first home game since 1990 without NBC broadcasting it.
Despite the on-field significance, the Irish are striving to keep things routine. “The most challenging aspect has probably been dealing with finals at Notre Dame because that’s quite rigorous,” relayed quarterback Riley Leonard. He also mentioned that preparing for this game feels similar to having a couple of bye weeks, with practices following the same successful pattern established throughout the season.
However, the stakes are considerably elevated as these two teams from Indiana prepare for a rare matchup – their first meeting since 1959, where Notre Dame previously triumphed with a score of 49-27. Indiana (11-1), ranked No. 9, is seen as the underdog, having pulled off an incredible turnaround under Coach Curt Cignetti, who has steered the team to a record-breaking number of victories in a single season.
The Hoosiers have emerged as an offensive powerhouse, averaging 43.3 points per game, which is the highest among playoff teams. They also boast one of the most formidable defenses in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Despite their lone defeat against a ranked opponent, the Hoosiers believe that the experience from that game will lay the groundwork as they pursue a historic stride toward the Sugar Bowl for a quarterfinal clash with the second-seeded Georgia.
“It was a tough loss, but it was crucial for us to face that kind of competition and understand what it takes to win these key games,” commented Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke. He recognizes the high-stakes nature of this tournament setting, emphasizing the need to bring their best performance.
Experience in playoff scenarios might give Indiana a slight edge. Coach Cignetti, along with several members of his coaching staff, has previously guided teams through FCS and Division II playoffs, and he has invaluable insights from his time as a recruiting coordinator under legendary coach Nick Saban at Alabama.
Defensively, Notre Dame has shown resilience, overcoming several injuries, which included the absence of two preseason All-American players. But one of those key players, defensive tackle Howard Cross III, is anticipated to make his return after a significant spell on the sidelines. Cross expressed his enthusiasm for playing again, although there’s a lingering question about his readiness after a lengthy injury recovery.
The Hoosiers have not only achieved victory this season but have done so with authority. Out of their 11 wins, ten were by margin of 14 points or more, indicating their ability to control games, having only faced minimal adversity. However, Indiana players remain on alert and ready for any challenges.
“We know we deserve to be here, and we have that chip on our shoulder,” Indiana receiver Elijah Sarratt shared. He highlighted their motivation stemming from external perceptions throughout the season. The goal is clear – they will focus on themselves while aiming to make a statement in this crucial game.
The pivotal battle to watch will be between Notre Dame’s running game and Indiana’s stout defense. The Fighting Irish rely heavily on their tripartite rushing attack, featuring standout players Leonard, Jeremiyah Love, and Jadarian Price. In contrast, the Hoosiers have established themselves as an exceptional defensive unit, leading the nation in limiting yards against the run. Indiana’s defensive strategy will face a stern test to stifle the Irish’s ground game, a crucial component of their offensive playbook. “Stopping the run is essential,” stated all-Big Ten linebacker Aiden Fisher, recognizing the importance of this matchup as they aim to advance further in the playoffs.