Paul Finebaum identifies defense as key factor for Notre Dame to beat Indiana

There’s one aspect that’ll be the difference for Paul Finebaum in No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Indiana in the opening game of the College Football Playoff.

Finebaum quickly broke down the matchup between the Fighting Irish and Hoosiers while on ‘Get Up’ on Friday. Firstly, he went with Notre Dame in their important game since last making the playoff in 2020.

“I like Notre Dame,” said Finebaum on a panel this morning on ESPN. “I remember when Notre Dame wouldn’t even play bowl games. That’s why this is so significant if you’re a little bit older than EJ (Manuel).”

Again, there’s a lot to look at in this in-state matchup between programs separated by three and a half hours, yet two who have not met in over three decades. That includes the weather tonight, with it set to snow at temperatures of 35° or less today on campus.

“There’s so many factors in this game, including snow on the ground right now in South Bend,” said Finebaum. “I don’t think that’s going to have a big factor on both northern schools.”

As for Finebaum’s pick, though, he likes Notre Dame considering their defense. It’s a unit that’s allowed just 13.6 ppg., including 10 games of 20 points or less and four of single digits allowed, and under 300 yards of offense this fall. They’ve also forced 28 turnovers with 17 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries, six of which have led to scores.

That’s what Finebaum thinks will get the Fighting Irish to advance to a quarterfinal appearance in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.

“To me, Notre Dame’s defense is going to be the difference,” said Finebaum