A well-known but long-dormant rivalry is reignited in the 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) when the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the No. 10 Indiana Hoosiers square off. On December 20, Notre Dame Stadium will host this eagerly awaited first-round match.

It is the first time these in-state rivals have faced each other since 1991, which lends a nostalgic touch to what is already looking to be a high-stakes matchup. Since 1898, Notre Dame has dominated the head-to-head record in this rivalry. After 29 meetings between the two teams, the Fighting Irish have a commanding 23-win, 5-loss, and 1-tie record.

Notre Dame also claimed victory in the last six matchups, including a 49-27 win in 1991, the final meeting before the rivalry went on hiatus. For Indiana, this playoff game represents a rare chance to even the score and redefine its place in college football history.

Paths to the Playoff

Both Indiana and Notre Dame had to overcome adversity to make it to the College Football Playoff. Notre Dame enters as the No. 7 seed with an 11-1 record, having dominated most of their schedule.

The Irish are known for their defensive toughness and methodical rushing attack. Their only blemish this season came in a surprising loss to Northern Illinois, a defeat that briefly put their playoff hopes in jeopardy. However, Notre Dame recovered, finishing the season with ten double-digit wins, a testament to their consistency on both offense and defense.

Indiana‘s journey to the CFP was nothing short of historic. For the first time in program history, the Hoosiers opened the season 10-0, making them one of only a handful of teams in college football history to do so.

Although their perfect season was spoiled by a loss to Ohio State, Indiana’s resume was strong enough to secure the No. 10 seed. Their offense, led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke, was one of the most explosive in the Big Ten.

What time is the Indiana vs Notre Dame clash

The Indiana vs. Notre Dame College Football Playoff first-round game is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 20, at 19:30 ET / 16:30 PT.

Where to watch the Indiana vs Notre Dame duel

You can watch the Indiana vs. Notre Dame College Football Playoff first-round game live on ESPN