The college bowl season continues on Friday with two afternoon games from Florida before the weekend’s main event, the first round of the expanded College Football Playoff, kicks off in the evening. The non-playoff matchups include league champions facing off and a team that narrowly missed a title. The fourth team is a well-known school with optimistic fans compared to a few months ago.
The playoff features two teams from Indiana at a traditional college football venue. The cold weather adds to the spectacle.
Here’s a preview of the upcoming matchups to get you ready for the big weekend:
Cure Bowl – Jacksonville State vs. Ohio
Time/TV/location: noon ET, ESPN, Orlando, Fla.
Why watch: This matchup between conference champions is a highlight of the non-playoff bowl games. Both teams are going through coaching changes, which is common among mid-major teams. While some defensive players are in the portal for Jacksonville State, Ohio’s strong running game led by QB Parker Navarro and RB Anthony Tyus may face less resistance. Expect a competitive game with key playmakers on both sides.
Gasparilla Bowl – Florida vs. Tulane
Time/TV/location: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2, Tampa, Fla.
Why watch: Tulane’s successful season ended on a sour note with two consecutive losses, but they have a chance to redeem themselves against Florida. The Gators, led by QB DJ Lagway, gained momentum with wins against LSU and Mississippi. Tulane will miss QB Darian Mensah, but RB Makhi Hughes is expected to make an impact. Despite optimism with coach Jon Sumrall’s contract extension, the game could be challenging as Florida has key players and home-field advantage.
No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame
Time/TV/location: Friday, 8 p.m. ET, ABC, South Bend, Ind.
Why watch: The playoff kicks off with a matchup between Indiana and Notre Dame, two teams with limited history against each other. This game promises to be a thrilling contest between in-state rivals.
The matchup between the Fighting Irish and Hoosiers has been a rare occurrence, with only one meeting since 1958 resulting in a 49-27 victory for Notre Dame in 1991. However, this upcoming game holds much more significance. The Hoosiers, under the guidance of first-year coach Curt Cignetti, have shown a remarkable turnaround from their 3-9 record in 2023. Despite this improvement, it is important to note that Indiana has only secured one victory in Big Ten play against a team with a winning record. On the other hand, Notre Dame bounced back strongly after a disappointing loss in Week 2 to Northern Illinois. The Fighting Irish have displayed an impressive average scoring margin of plus 26.2, which closely aligns with Indiana’s plus 28.6. Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke has excelled as a proficient drop-back passer, boasting 27 touchdown passes and only four interceptions this season. Wide receiver Elijah Sarratt has been a key target for Rourke. Notre Dame’s pass defense, led by defensive back Xavier Watts, has been formidable, with 17 interceptions to their credit. Rourke will likely need support from running backs Justice Ellison and Ty Son Lawton to counter this strong defensive effort. Notre Dame’s quarterback, Riley Leonard, is more inclined to take off and run, but when he does pass, wide receiver Beaux Collins is his go-to option. Running back Jeremiyah Love will also pose a threat, demanding attention from Hoosiers linebackers Aiden Fisher and Jailin Walker.
Despite the promising aspects of the matchup, there are potential areas of concern. Indiana fans may recall the team’s previous road encounter with a playoff-caliber opponent, where they performed well for a portion of the game before eventually succumbing to Ohio State’s dominance. While the Fighting Irish present a different challenge compared to Ohio State, the Hoosiers remain the less proven team on a larger stage.
Overall, the upcoming showdown between the Fighting Irish and the Hoosiers promises to be an intriguing battle, with both teams showcasing strengths and areas for improvement. The historical context of their limited encounters adds an additional layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated matchup.
