deskgameTexas running back Jaydon Blue (23) tries to break a tackle by Clemson linebacker Wade Woodaz (17) during the first half in the first round of the College Football Playoff, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in Austin, Texas.
deskgameThat plays into the hands of Notre Dame’s strong defense. The Fighting Irish limited Indiana to three points in the first 58 minutes before the Hoosiers scored two touchdowns in the last two minutes thanks to an onside-kick recovery.
deskgamePlus, Notre Dame prefers to run the ball. The Irish average 35.6 rushing attempts per game, which equates to 55.2% of their play calls. Quarterback Riley Leonard is part of that running game.
deskgameBoth groups have defenses seemingly intact that ranked in the top 20 nationally in points allowed. Both have strong red-zone defenses, which is probably why both groups qualified for this game.
deskgameThe chip on each team’s shoulder could carry some spark, but both teams are under .500 on hitting the over in the last 10 games.
