The stage is set for an exciting matchup between two in-state rivals, the Indiana Hoosiers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, in the College Football Playoff first round game. Both teams have had impressive seasons, with Indiana finishing 11-1 and Notre Dame ending with a 10-2 record. This game promises to be a thrilling battle of strength vs. strength, with Indiana’s potent passing attack facing off against Notre Dame’s staunch secondary.
| Ranking | Sportsbook and Casino App | Rating | Welcome Offer | Promo Code | Terms & Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGPN's Top Book | Caesars | 4.9 | Bet $1 and Double Your Winnings for the Next 10 Bets! | No Code Needed | Must be 21 or older and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, or WY. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt.Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY,KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino), LA (Licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Harrah’s New Orleans),ME (Licensed through the Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine),NC (Licensed through Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise), PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia):If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visitmdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXTSTEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800- BETSOFF.©2024, Caesars Entertainment Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER MA:CALL 1-800-327-5050 or visitgamblinghelplinema.org NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) |
| 2 | Bet365 | 4.9 | Wager $5, Score $150 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed! | No Code Needed | Must be 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. |
| 3 | BetMGM | 4.8 | Get up to $1500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets | No Code Needed | Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico. |
| 4 | FanDuel | 4.5 | Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins! Expires on 2025-01-27T04:59:00.000Z | No Code Needed | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in select states. Void where prohibited. New Customer only. First online real money wager only. $10 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Expires on 7/28/2024 at 11:59 PM EST. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, D.C., IA, KS (in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino), KY, LA, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA, VT, WY), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), www.1800gambler.net (WV). |
| 5 | DraftKings | 4.4 | Instant Win! New Customers: Bet $5, Get $200 Today Expires on 2025-02-10T04:59:00.000Z | No Code Needed | GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: dkng.co/ftball. Ends 2/9/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. |
College Football Playoff: Indiana at Notre Dame Preview and Predictions
High-Speed
Indiana’s offense is led by sixth-year quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who has been one of the most underrated players in college football. Rourke has thrown for 2,827 yards, 27 touchdowns, and only four interceptions, with a completion percentage of 70.4%. He’ll face a tough test against Notre Dame’s secondary, which ranks third in the FBS against the pass.
Notre Dame’s offense, on the other hand, is led by quarterback Riley Leonard, who is the most productive rushing quarterback among the 12 CFP contenders. Leonard has rushed for 764 yards this season, with 60.5% of those yards coming on designed runs. He’ll face an Indiana defense that has been stringent against the run, ranking first in the Big Ten.
Low-Speed
One key matchup to watch will be the battle between Indiana’s wideouts Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper and Notre Dame’s outside corners Leonard Moore and Christian Gray. Sarratt has been excellent in one-on-one matchups, leading all CFP receivers with 14 contested catches. Cooper, meanwhile, is arguably the best deep threat in the playoff field, averaging 21.1 yards per reception.
Another important factor will be the weather, with temperatures expected to be in the mid-20s and snow predicted in the morning. This could affect the passing games of both teams, making the running games even more crucial.
Indiana +7.5 (-110)
The Irish, favored by 7.5 points, but this game has all the makings of a close, hard-fought battle Indiana’s offense has been incredibly efficient, ranking second in the FBS in scoring. One concern I do have backing Indiana is how this offensive line is going to handle Notre Dame‘s defensive front.
However, Notre Dame’s defense has been equally impressive, ranking third in the FBS in scoring defense. In the end, I think this is too many points, give me Indiana +7.5.
Riley Leonard Over 52.5 Rushing Yards (-114)
One player prop to keep an eye on is Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard’s rushing yards. Given Indiana’s strength against the pass, Leonard may be called upon to make plays with his legs. Plus with the weather being a factor, I expect more of a ground type of game style from the Irish. Take Leonard to go over 52.5 rushing yards.
