With the expanded College Football Playoff format, excitement is at an all-time high as teams vie for a chance to claim the national title. This season, two teams that stand to benefit significantly from this change are Notre Dame and Indiana.
Indiana’s Historic Debut
Indiana is making its debut in the playoffs after an impressive 11-1 season. The Big Ten Conference has showcased its strength this year, featuring powerhouse teams such as No. 1 Oregon, No. 6 Penn State, No. 8 Ohio State, and, of course, No. 10 Indiana. All four of these teams have secured spots in the College Football Playoff, underscoring the competitive nature of this year’s tournament.
Notre Dame’s Legacy and Ambitions
The Fighting Irish, a perennial contender in college football, will face off against Indiana in the first round. Notre Dame has a rich history in the sport and is looking to add another national title to its storied legacy. Having reached the College Football Playoff in 2018 and 2020 but falling short, they are eager to capitalize on this new opportunity in 2024. With an 11-1 record, their only loss coming against Northern Illinois early in the season, they are poised to make a deep run.
The Road Ahead
However, the journey to the championship will be longer this time around. Unlike previous seasons where teams needed to win just two games to claim the title, this year’s format requires teams to win four games to raise the trophy. This added challenge makes every matchup crucial, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Game Details: Notre Dame vs. Indiana
Fans are eagerly anticipating the matchup between Notre Dame and Indiana, set to kick off on Friday, Dec. 20, at 8 p.m. ET at Notre Dame Stadium. This game promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams look to assert their dominance early in the playoffs.
How to Watch the Game
For those wondering how to catch all the action, the game will be broadcast on multiple platforms. The main telecast will be available on ABC and ESPN, ensuring fans have access to the game no matter where they are. Additionally, ESPN2 will provide a command center broadcast, while ESPN News will offer a skycast. For Spanish-speaking fans, ESPN Deportes will have the game covered as well.
Radio Coverage
If you prefer to listen to the game, you can tune in on SiriusXM channels 84 and 129 for the Indiana and Notre Dame broadcasts, respectively. ESPN Radio will also provide live coverage. And for those who want to enjoy the game without cable, ESPN will feature a unique marching band stream on its app, allowing fans to experience the lively atmosphere of the game.
Streaming Options
For viewers looking for streaming options, Fubo will offer live streams of the game. New subscribers can take advantage of a free trial, making it a great opportunity to catch all the playoff action. For a limited time, Fubo is also offering the first month for as low as $49.99, providing access to over 200 channels, including ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC.
College Football Playoff Schedule
First Round
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
| Friday, Dec. 20 | No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame | 8 p.m. |
| Saturday, Dec. 21 | No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State | Noon |
| Saturday, Dec. 21 | No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas | 4 p.m. |
| Saturday, Dec. 21 | No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State | 8 p.m. |
Quarterfinals
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
| Tuesday, Dec. 31 | No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State/No. 11 SMU | 7:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday, Jan. 1 | No. 4 Arizona State vs. No. 5 Texas/No. 12 Clemson | 1 p.m. |
| Wednesday, Jan. 1 | No. 1 Oregon vs. No. 8 Ohio State/No. 9 Tennessee | 5 p.m. |
| Wednesday, Jan. 1 | No. 2 Georgia vs. No. 7 Notre Dame/No. 10 Indiana | 8:45 p.m. |
Semifinals
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
| Thursday, Jan. 9 | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. |
| Friday, Jan. 10 | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. |
CFB National Championship
| Date | Game | Time (ET) |
| Monday, Jan. 20 | TBD vs. TBD | 7:30 p.m. |
As the College Football Playoff unfolds, the anticipation surrounding the Notre Dame vs. Indiana matchup is palpable. Fans are ready to rally behind their teams, and the excitement is sure to reach a fever pitch as these two storied programs clash in pursuit of glory. Will Indiana make a statement in its first playoff appearance, or will Notre Dame’s tradition and experience shine through? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: this game is not to be missed!
