The College Football Playoffs is almost here, under 48 hours away and we here at Hoosiers State of Mind couldn't be more excited for IU's first CFP appearance. The expanded 12 team playoffs and a 11-1 historic season under Curt Cignetti helped guide the Hoosiers to their first ever playoff berth versus Notre Dame a team that has been to the playoffs 3 times (2018, 2020, 2024).
To break down the match up site editor and expert Donovan James sat down with Michael Chen of Site Manager of Fighting Irish Wire and USA Today Sports Media Group to talk Indiana Hoosiers football versus Notre Dame and there big matchup on Friday night.
Michael Chen was formerly at AM 670 The Score in Chicago where he was a writer, reporter and producer. Chen currently writes for Fighting Irish Wire covering all things Notre Dame athletics and an associate producer at WCIU "The U" Follow Michael Chen on Twitter/X @MikeFChen
Hoosiers. State of Mind: What will the atmosphere be like in South Bend Friday night ?
Michael Chen: There is no doubt in my mind that Notre Dame Stadium will be a crazy environment. The ticket prices are through the roof, which shows you how much excitement there is in South Bend for this contest. The crowd know’s they’ll play an impact on the game, and they’ll be up all night.
Hoosiers. State of Mind: Who are the key players Marcus Freeman and his defense need to shutdown on Indiana’s offense ?
Michael Chen: It starts with stopping Kurtis Rourke, the Irish need to confuse him to throw some questionable passes. Notre Dame’s secondary is one of the best in the country, if not the best, and they’ll be up to the task. If the Irish limit Rourke, they’ll limit wide receiver Elijah Surratt’s impact as well. Running back Justice Ellison is solid, but the Irish defensive lines does get back one of their best players in defensive tackle Howard Cross III.
Hoosiers. State of Mind: Is Riley Leonard the most underrated QB in the CFP?
Michael Chen: It’s hard to disagree with that statement, as he has come a long way with his passing to compliment his running. Leonard didn’t get much love nationally, but he’s doing exactly what this offense is asking for him. Leonard has tons of experience and has the ability to lead his team to put up a big number on Friday night.
Hoosiers. State of Mind: What do you make of Marcus Freeman’s extension ahead of the opening round of the CFP?
Michael Chen: I think the extension was perfect timing, as it gives Freeman job security to focus on making a deep run in the CFP. There has been some NFL chatter, and locking him up was something that I’ve been asking for since the USC win.
Hoosiers. State of Mind: Will Notre Dame have an advantage in the trenches, where IU has struggled in close games ie; Michigan and Ohio State?
Michael Chen: Traditionally, Notre Dame has had strong lines, and they once again have them this fall. As noted before, Cros returns, and even with mutiple season-ending injuries on the defensive line, other players have stepped up and got the job done. Offensively, the Irish are young, but extremely talented. True freshman Anthonie Knapp has have his occasional lapses, but the rest of the line is rock solid. They should have an advantage in this area.
Hoosiers. State of Mind: Who are the x-factors on the Fighting Irish offense ?
Michael Chen: Senior quarterback Riley Leonard, sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love and grad senior wide reciever Beaux Collins.
Hoosiers. State of Mind: Alright, let's pick a winner between Indiana and Notre Dame on Friday ?
Michael Chen: I was hesitant to believe that Notre Dame was a championship-caliber team early in the season, but they’ve progressed so much its’ hard to say they aren’t. For as well as Indiana has played this fall, I think it’s a bit of fools gold. Notre Dame shows why they shouldn’t be counted out to win the title this fall. Notre Dame 35, Indiana 17
Again for more Notre Dame athletic coverage follow Michael Chen on twitter/X @MikeFChen