Final score predictions for the playoff battle between Notre Dame and the Indiana Hoosiers

The time is finally here! After a turbulent beginning of the 2024 college football season, Notre Dame has reeled off 10-straight victories and earned a spot in the college football playoffs. Their journey begins on Friday in Notre Dame Stadium against the Indiana Hoosiers at 8 PM Eastern time.

Both programs have had tremendous seasons, and are dark horses to make some noise this postseason. The staff at A to Z Sports made their picks for the game, including analysis and a score prediction. Here is how the staff sees this one going.

Indiana 27, Notre Dame 24

Call me crazy but I'm taking the underdog Hoosiers to go into South Bend and knock off the Fighting Irish in the battle of Indiana. I think both teams have high powered offenses and quarterbacks that take care of the football. Both are at their best when their offense leans on the run game and I believe the Hoosiers front that's excelled at stopping the run all year will step up to the plate and make enough plays to make Notre Dame and their offense uncomfortable. And ultimately will be the difference that leads to a narrow win for Indiana. - Destin Adams

Notre Dame 27, Indiana 14

I see this one going much like it did against Ohio State for the Hoosiers. While the Indiana offense was great much of the year, it came back to earth when they faced a quality opponent. Al Golden’s defense will give Indiana fits and they simply won’t be able to keep up on the scoreboard. Marcus Freeman gets his first CFP win. - Brandon Little

Notre Dame 31, Indiana 17

It’s pretty appropriate that the first ever home college football playoff game is in South Bend. Notre Dame has been an incredibly focused team over the second half of the season, and I expect that to continue on Friday. It’s going to be a strength versus a strength for the Irish offense against the Hoosier defense. Will Notre Dame be able to run the football against a staunch unit? Jeremiyah Love is the key to the victory, and I expect a big outing. - Ryan Roberts 

Notre Dame 27, Indiana 20

The Irish are an overall well-balanced football team and that's something that Indiana doesn't have much practice facing. Sure, the Hoosiers' defense is known for stopping the run but they haven't faced anyone or anything like Notre Dame's dominant and explosive back, Jeremiyah Love. On the flip side, the Irish defense knows exactly how to take care of business and slow down any opponents' momentum, especially in the fourth quarter. It will be a friendly reminder that Notre Dame runs the state. - Kelsey Kramer