Notre Dame faces Indiana in a critical matchup. Here are 3 reasons why the Irish should be concerned heading into the game.

The College Football Playoff first round will see the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-1) hosting the No. 9 Indiana Hoosiers (11-1) at 8 p.m. ET at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.

Notre Dame has been one of the nation's best pass defenses over the last two seasons, with Ohio State, Northern Illinois and the Irish being the only three defenses to rank in the Top 10 in pass defense in each of the last two seasons. Only the Irish and Buckeyes ranked in the Top 5 in each season.

Notre Dame takes on Indiana in a rivalry game with high stakes, including the state crown and potential postseason impact.

While earning the seventh seed grants Notre Dame a home game at Notre Dame Stadium, their opponent, in-state rival Indiana, neutralizes this advantage. The proximity of the two programs ensures a split crowd of gold and red,

First-year Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti brought along 13 of his former James Madison Dukes in a 31-player transfer haul last offseason.

Before The Snap takes a look at the Indiana-Notre Dame CFP first-round matchup with Tyler Nettuno. Chandler Hoefle