A new chapter in college football begins this Friday night as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare to face off against their in-state rivals, the Indiana Hoosiers. This match marks the inaugural game of the expanded College Football Playoff, which now features 12 teams, a significant increase from the previous format that included only four teams over the last decade.
The first round of the playoffs kicks off this weekend, starting with the matchup at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. The Fighting Irish, boasting an impressive record of 11-1, have secured the No. 7 seed in the tournament, while the Hoosiers, with the same 11-1 record, enter as the No. 10 seed. The victor of this contest will move on to the quarterfinals, where they will compete against the second-seeded Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl on January 1.
For fans eager to watch the game, it will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN, featuring announcers Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy. The game is scheduled for Friday, December 20, at 8 p.m. and will take place at the iconic Notre Dame Stadium.
If streaming is preferred, options include ESPN+ and Fubo for those unable to watch on traditional television.
This expansion of the College Football Playoff not only enhances the competitive spirit of the league but also provides more teams the opportunity to showcase their talents on a national platform. The excitement surrounding this new playoff format is palpable, offering fans an engaging playoff experience as they cheer for their favorite teams.
A hopeful narrative emerges as we witness not just a game, but the beginning of a new era in college football, where more schools and their athletes can shine and make a mark on the sport.