When the playoffs expanded, the promise of home playoff games lit up imaginations like Christmas lights on South Bend’s famous basilica. For Notre Dame, the allure of hosting a game at one of the most storied venues in college football was almost as thrilling as the championship chase itself. Yet, as head coach Marcus Freeman preps for their first-round matchup against in-state rival No. 9 Indiana, in the CFP bracket, the Fighting Irish find themselves in a peculiar predicament. The advantage they thought they’d wield has turned into a dead heat.

The Irish head Marcus Freeman, speaking with CBS Sports HQ, reflected on the unique atmosphere of Notre Dame Stadium and the potential benefits of playing at home, when asked this question, “We’re going to have one, maybe the most historic venue in the sport there in South Bend. Just your thoughts about what the atmosphere is going to be like and then the matchup itself.” The No. 3 ranked coach answered, “To be a part of the first playoff game at Notre Dame Stadium is going to be something special,” Freeman said, his excitement palpable. “You know, you didn’t know who the opponent was going to be. So, could the weather be a home field advantage? It’s probably not now that you’re playing an in-state team.” And just like that, South Bend’s legendary late-December chill loses its edge when your opponent comes from the same icy Midwestern climate.

The Fighting Irish and Hoosiers are rare foes, despite being separated by less than 200 miles. Their last meeting was in 1991, a comfortable Notre Dame win, and before that, you’d have to turn the clock back to 1958. This time, however, Indiana brings more than nostalgia. Under head coach Curt Cignetti, the Hoosiers have soared to a program-record 11 wins, earning the No. 10 playoff seed. Cignetti’s trademark confidence isn’t just for show either—his iconic December 2023 quote and more after that, “I win. Google me,” is both a mantra and a warning, earned him the name of the CFB’s quote machine.

Marcus Freeman didn’t shy away from acknowledging the uphill battle that awaits. “The atmosphere will be an advantage. The crowd, the comfortability that we have playing in our stadium—it’s special,” he said. But there’s no denying that the Hoosiers, battle-tested and carrying momentum, won’t be rattled by the history or pageantry of Notre Dame Stadium. After all, this team thrashed both the Michigan teams.

Marching ahead, the former Buckeyes LB and his Fighting Irish dive into preparation for December 20, he’s likely replaying tapes of Indiana’s no-nonsense, scrappy style. Meanwhile, Cignetti’s Hoosiers are embracing the opportunity to disrupt the narrative. In a matter of 10 days, someone’s going to google one another. But one of them did already.

Marcus Freeman already did his homework

Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman has a unique pregame prep strategy—consult Google. Inspired by coach Cig’s iconic quip, Freeman took the advice literally while gearing up for their playoff showdown.

“Coach Cignetti has done a phenomenal job leading this team to 11 wins in a tough Big Ten schedule,” Freeman shared, tipping his cap to his opponent. “And to have this team ready to make a run in the playoffs, it’s a credit to coach. I didn’t know much about him. I took a minute and Googled him and looked at some of the things he’s done in the past at his other places,” Freeman said. “He’s won everywhere he’s been. So he’s done a great job, we expect a great opponent.”

The Fighting Irish won’t be caught unprepared, especially with Indiana boasting a high-octane passing attack led by quarterback Kurtis Rourke. Rourke, who has taken the college football world by storm, leads the nation in ESPN’s passer rating at 181.4. The South Bend side has their own answer with Senior QB Riley Leonard coming off with 155 passing yards and 2 TDs in the win against USC.