Jaylynn Nash-Imagn Images

Point Spread for No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Indiana in College Football Playoff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cami Griffin | Last updated Dec 11, 2024 9:20 PM ET

Four games will take place in the first round of the new 12-team College Football Playoff field.

No. 5 Texas will host No. 12 Clemson, No. 6 Penn State will host No. 11 SMU, No. 7 Notre Dame will host No. 10 Indiana and No. 8 Ohio State will host No. 9 Tennessee.

While the Buckeyes vs. Volunteers game jumps out as the biggest game of the weekend, Notre Dame vs. Indiana is a fairly unpredictable one as well. The Fighting Irish have one loss on the season to unranked Northern Illinois at home in Week 2, while Indiana's lone loss came at the hands of Ohio State on Nov. 23.

FanDuel's early point spread favors the home team, Notre Dame, on Dec. 20. The Fighting Irish are considered a 7.5-point favorite over the Hoosiers, similar to the betting line for the Ohio State vs. Tennessee game.

Notre Dame is certainly a rushing team. Starting running back Jeremiyah Love is close to eclipsing 1,000 rush yards on the year and is averaging an impressive 7.1 yards per carry. Starting quarterback Riley Leonard isn't far behind with 721 rushing yards of his own. Notre Dame's leading receiver, Beaux Collins, has totaled 34 receptions for just 427 yards this season.

On the flip side, Indiana is a bit more balanced. Starting quarterback Kurtis Rourke has thrown for 2,827 yards and 27 touchdowns this season. The Hoosiers leading rusher is Justice Ellison with 148 carries for 811 yards.

Betting favorites in the first-round playoff field are Texas, Penn State, Ohio State and Notre Dame.

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

More must-reads: