The State of Indiana Is Shaping the Late November College Football Playoff Chase

Indiana teams are making waves in the late November College Football Playoff chase, impacting the national landscape and rankings.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) throws the ball during a NCAA college football game against Virginia at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in South Bend. / MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Notre Dame must win remaining two games to lock in CFP spot

As things currently sit, Notre Dame is in prime playoff position, not only in regards to simply making the CFP field but for hosting a round one game as well. There's nothing fans and teams with full-time conference allegiances would like more than for the Irish to slip up, lose a second game, and open up another playoff spot.

What's left for the Irish? A "Rockne Road Trip" to New York to face an undefeated army followed up by a cross-country journey to LA to wrap up the year against a five-loss USC team that'd love nothing more than to ruin Notre Dame's title chances in the last game of the year. How the Irish finish up will impact the entire CFP ecosystem in a big way. The world is watching!

With Notre Dame up four touchdowns in the fourth quarter, the decks are clear for the showdown games next weekend we all saw coming in August:
Indiana at Ohio State
Notre Dame vs. Army in Yankee Stadium

— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) November 16, 2024

Undefeated Indiana faces off with Ohio State

Notre Dame isn't the only team from Indiana that could shake up the CFP rankings.

Undefeated Indiana, who has looked impressive most of the season but who has collected zero ranked wins thus far, will head to the Horseshoe for a big-time battle with Ohio State this upcoming Saturday. This outcome is sure to shake up the rankings either way this game goes.

While there is always a healthy level of respect for SEC football, it's nice to have major CFP intrigue emanating from the state of Indiana on multiple fronts showing the country that some darn good, rough, and tough football is being played there.

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