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Rick Neuheisel Predicts Major Upset in College Football Playoff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated Dec 10, 2024 7:14 PM ET

The CBS Sports college football team, featuring former UCLA Bruins head coach Rick Neuheisel, analyzed the first round of the College Football Playoff on Tuesday and shared their predictions.

While reviewing the first-round slate, Neuheisel predicted an upset. He sided with the betting favorite in nearly every matchup, but an in-state duel called for an interesting prediction by Neuheisel.

He believes the No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers will defeat the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, despite IU heading into the game as a 7.5-point underdog, per ESPN BET.

"Give me IU," Neuheisel said. "I'm not ready to cancel the Church of Cignetti."

Neuheisel credited his pick to Indiana's offense, led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke and running back Justice Ellison.

The Hoosiers are heading into the game with an 11-1 record, suffering their only loss to the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes. They started the year on a 10-game win streak, defeating teams like Michigan State, Nebraska and Washington.

Rourke has been the engine to Indiana's success, producing 27 touchdowns and 2,827 yards with a 70.4 completion percentage. The sixth-year quarterback also added two touchdowns on the ground.

Ellison was the driving factor in the run game, recording 10 touchdowns and 811 yards on 148 carries.

As Neuheisel explained, Ellison's contribution will be huge for the Hoosiers since the Fighting Irish finished the regular season as the No. 51 team against the run.

While many have questioned Indiana's strength of schedule, Neuheisel seems confident that head coach Curt Cignetti and the Indiana offense can pull off the upset.

The matchup will be played in South Bend, Indiana, on Dec. 20 at 8 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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