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  • Indiana closed out the regular season with a 66-0 win over 1-11 Purdue.
  • Notre Dame improved to 11-1 following their most recent win over USC.
  • These two teams last met on September 7, 1991 in a game that Notre Dame won 49-27.

The Hoosiers and the Fighting Irish enter this NCAAF game hoping to exceed expectations and make the quarterfinals. Our Indiana vs Notre Dame prediction sees the Fighting Irish controlling the pace.

Indiana Having a Historic Year

Indiana reached 10 wins for the first time in program history with new head coach Curt Cignetti. The Hoosiers have had enormous success under Cignetti, who brought many key players from James Madison along with him. He has revitalized a program that had been struggling for a century.

This season has already surpassed any expectations that Indiana had going in as they now sit at 11-1 and in the College Football Playoff. One thing to note is that Indiana has not beaten any currently ranked teams. Their schedule was largely favorable, which may have played a role in their success.

Notre Dame Looks to Stay Hot

The Fighting Irish were devastated early in the season after their loss to Northern Illinois. At the time, it seemed to eliminate them from CFP contention. Yet, Notre Dame stayed the course and won every other game they played. Not many teams were as dominant as the Fighting Irish down the stretch.

Like Indiana, Notre Dame benefited from a favorable schedule. They didn’t face any power-4 teams that are currently ranked, but did post strong results against Texas A&M and Army. Notre Dame’s defense is sure to give Indiana fits, but their offense needs to be at its very best to avoid an upset loss.

Indiana vs Notre Dame Prediction: Irish Surge to a Win

With neither of these teams playing a particularly stacked schedule, it’s tougher to properly analyze them. That being said, Notre Dame certainly faced more capable teams. Their loss to Northern Illinois is glaring, but it was also over three months ago. As good as Indiana has been, I don’t love the idea of picking a team whose best win was by 5 points at home against 7-5 Michigan. Take the Fighting Irish.

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