The betting odds on this game are eerily similar to the game against USC. Same line (-7.5), same O/U (51.5), with the ND money line odds being slightly shorter for ND against IU (-280) than the Trojans (-250). ESPN's FPI gives ND a 70% chance of winning this game on Friday night.
It's no secret that it's strength vs. strength in this matchup for both teams: IU technically has the #1 rush defense in the nation (even against inferior competition, they've shown a consistency and aptitude to stop the run all year, which is hard to do) against a top 10 rushing offense in Notre Dame. Indiana boasts one of the best passing attacks against ND's #3 pass defense in country. Something's gotta give.
In the cold, ND needs to out-physical IU and wear them down, and the dam should break eventually. I'm more confident that ND will be able to get the ground game going with Riley Leonard and the backs keeping the defense honest. IU doesn't have much experience against mobile QBs. They might be tough to run on early, but as the big boys up front keep pounding away, they will eventually wear down in the second half.
In cold, potentially slippery conditions, good luck chucking the rock around to victory against this secondary and pass rush.
Close first half makes us all nervous as ND takes a 14-10 lead into halftime, but Love, Price and Leonard have a big second half and beat the breaks off of IU.
ND 31, IU 16
