The 'Len' Zone
Notre Dame vs Indiana College Football Playoff
A analysis of the College Football Playoff game between #7 Notre Dame and #10 Indiana on Friday, December 20th.

by Len Clark

Marcus Freeman Press Conference
Team Statistics Comparison
Notre Dame
• 421.3 yards/game (224.8 rushing, 196.4 passing)
• 39.8 points scored, 13.6 points allowed per game
Indiana
• 438.8 yards/game (173.6 rushing, 265.2 passing)
• 43.3 points scored, 14.7 points allowed per game
Key Players to Watch
Quarterbacks
Riley Leonard (ND): Dual-threat, 2,092 passing yards, 16 TDs
Kurtis Rourke (IU): Passing prowess, 2,827 yards, 27 TDs
Running Backs
Jeremiyah Love (ND): 949 rushing yards, 15 TDs
Justice Ellison (IU): 811 rushing yards, 10 TDs
Defensive Stars
Xavier Watts (ND): 5 interceptions, 1 defensive TD
IU Defense: 34 sacks, 14 interceptions
Historical Context

1

Past Matchups
Notre Dame holds strong edge over Indiana

2

Recent Performance
Indiana's success in Big Ten, struggles vs top-tier teams

3

Current Season
Both teams showing offensive prowess and defensive strength
Game Day Factors

Location
Notre Dame Stadium: Home-field advantage for Fighting Irish

Weather
Chilly (35°F), possible light snow favoring ND's run game

Injuries
ND: Key defensive players questionable and status of RB Jeremiyah Love; IU: No major injuries
Advanced Analytics
10
Notre Dame SP+ Ranking
Top 10 offensively and defensively
25
Indiana SP+ Ranking
Mid-20s, emphasis on offensive explosiveness
+0.25
Notre Dame Offensive EPA/play
+0.30
Indiana Offensive EPA/play
Key Matchups
1
ND Rush vs IU Defense
Love's 79.1 yards aper game against IU's 70.8 yards allowed/game
2
IU Pass vs ND Secondary
Sarratt and Cooper Jr. will challenge ND's secondary
3
Coaching Strategy
ND's balanced attack vs IU's explosive passing game
Key Factors
Key Factors
ND's balanced offense and home-field advantage
X-Factor
Indiana's passing game vs Notre Dame's secondary
Len's Early Prediction
Notre Dame 38, Indiana 28
Teddy and The Gipper: A Notre Dame Friendship
A great Christmas gift for Notre Dame fans!

Teddy and The Gipper: A Notre Dame Friendship

Teddy and The Gipper: A Notre Dame Friendship

Discover 'Teddy and the Gipper: A Fighting Irish Friendship' by Len Clark, Ph.D., a heartwarming journey to Notre Dame through the bond between Teddy Flynn, his dog Snacks, and George Gipp. Illustrated vividly by Jared Basker, this book is not just a sports story—it's a celebration of nostalgia, Indiana history, and community. Perfect for Notre Dame fans, alumni, and lovers of inspirational tales, it highlights the power of dreams, education, and enduring friendships