Three matchups to follow in the Indiana football CFB Playoff game on Friday night

Indiana football will play in its first ever CFB Playoff game in program history, facing off against Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium on Friday night.

The two programs last faced on Sunday, September 7, 1991, where Notre Dame defeated Indiana in South Bend, 49-27.

The playoff appearance for Notre Dame is the program’s third in seven years, having made the playoffs in 2018, 2020 and now 2024.

Three offense/defense matchups to follow during the game

Mike Katic (Indiana Football Offensive Lineman) vs Howard Cross III (Notre Dame Defensive Lineman)

Mike Katic matching up against Howard Cross III will be an intriguing and physical matchup to follow.

Cross III sprained his ankle against Florida State on Saturday, November 9, being sidelined up until this Friday.

Having a healthy Cross III on the line brings a huge difference to Notre Dame’s defensive line. In his sixth season with Notre Dame, Cross III has totaled 22 tackles, 12 of which were solo tackles, while adding four sacks.

Despite holding a scary presence to opposing quarterbacks, Cross III matches up as undersized compared to Katic, measuring in at three inches shorter and weighing in at 30 pounds less than Katic.

Katic, who’s been in the Indiana football program since 2019, has been waiting to play in a game like this. Katic has seen the ups and downs of the Indiana football program, truly earning the opportunity to represent Indiana in a playoff game.

With Cross III coming off of an injury, he’ll be put to a difficult test when matching up against Katic.

Jailin Walker (Indiana Football Middle Linebacker) vs Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame Running Back)

Jeremiyah Love has been nothing but explosive this season on Notre Dame’s offense.

The sophomore running back has brought in 134 carries for 949 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Love also has served as a consistent pass catcher, totaling 22 receptions for 206 passing yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Love suffered a knee injury in Notre Dame’s final game of the regular season against USC. Despite departing the game and not returning, the team announced that Love will be good to go for Friday’s game against Indiana.

Indiana’s middle linebacker Jailin Walker will be put to the test Friday night. With bad weather conditions showing signs of rain or snow, Notre Dame’s run game could be used heavily.

Walker has recorded 72 total tackles this season, 35 of which have been solo tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.

Walker, a senior transfer from JMU, quickly emerged as one of Indiana’s biggest threats on the defensive end.

Ahead of Friday’s playoff game, Walker analyzed what him and Indiana’s defense needs to do during the game for the team to excel.

“Turnovers is a big thing. When we create turnovers, it gives the offense and special teams energy, and when you create turnovers, their defense are tired and they have got to get right back on the field and play our offense. Turnovers is always a big thing when you want to win the game.”

Love’s ability to play at full health will be tested with Walker waiting to bring him down on rushing attempts.

Elijah Sarratt (Indiana Football Wide Receiver) vs Christian Gray (Notre Dame Cornerback)

Elijah Sarratt will be put to a true test Friday night, matching up against Notre Dame’s Christian Gray.

Gray has been making defensive stops all season long, totaling 19 solo tackles, one forced fumble and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a 99 yard touchdown.

Sarratt is coming off of one of his best games of the season, where he brought in eight catches for 165 receiving yards and two touchdowns in a blowout 66-0 victory against Purdue.

This performance was a small sample size of the impact Sarratt has made on Indiana’s offense this season. Sarratt has 49 receptions on the year for 890 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.

The junior transfer from JMU has stood out as Indiana’s best receiver this season, leading the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

When previewing the upcoming game vs Notre Dame, Sarratt spoke on how he feels prepared for the difficult defensive coverage due to matching up against teammate D’Angelo Ponds in practice.

“I say to this day, he’s the best corner I went against since I stepped foot in college. No disrespect to anyone else, but that’s just how good of a player D-Lo is. He’s twitchy and he knows the game, and I could see him playing on Sundays in a couple years for sure.”

Kickoff on Friday is set for 8:00 PM ET from Notre Dame Stadium.

SEE ALSO: 3 Storylines to watch for when Indiana football faces Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated, part of the Full Ride Network, on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTube to stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.

Looking for a place to get more Indiana content? Hoosier Illustrated has partnered with Tom Brady’s company ‘Autograph’ to streamline our coverage, so you can continue to do what you do best – follow IU sports. Use the CODE: Indianafr to get started today. For more info, you can start here.