A significant chapter in college football begins this Friday night as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the Indiana Hoosiers in the inaugural game of the expanded College Football Playoff. The playoff format has grown from four qualifying teams to a more inclusive 12-team bracket, showcasing the evolving landscape of college football.
This weekend kicks off with four first-round matchups, starting with the highly-anticipated clash at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. The Irish boast an impressive record of 11-1, earning the No. 7 seed, while their in-state rivals, the Hoosiers, also hold a strong 11-1 record, landing the No. 10 seed. The stakes are high, as the victor will move on to the quarterfinals to face the second-seeded Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on January 1.
For fans eager to catch the action, the game will air on ABC and ESPN, with coverage featuring Sean McDonough as the play-by-play announcer alongside Greg McElroy. The matchup is scheduled for December 20 at 8 p.m. ET at Notre Dame Stadium, with streaming options available through ESPN+ and Fubo.
This playoff expansion is a pivotal moment for college football, providing greater opportunities for teams to compete on a national stage. As we look forward to this exciting matchup, it is a testament to the changing dynamics in college athletics that fans will be treated to more games and heightened competition.
In summary, Friday’s game not only marks the beginning of a new playoff era but also sets the stage for thrilling football moments and potential upsets, as teams vie for national prominence.