Leading up to the first round of the College Football Playoff, here is an offensive and defensive player from each school that could greatly impact their team’s success this weekend. There are obviously many great players on both sides of the ball for every team, but these 16 athletes have been a massive part of their programs’ berths in the inaugural 12-team playoff.
*Games are ranked chronologically by kickoff time
No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame
Indiana
Kurtis Rourke, QB — If the Hoosiers want to pull off this upset, Rourke will have to be on his A game. Curt Cignetti’s squad is walking into a hostile environment, facing the third-ranked passing defense in the country in yards per game allowed (157.9). Outside of Florida International, the only other passing defense Rourke has faced inside the top 50 is Ohio State, where he finished 8 for 18 for 68 yards. If the Hoosiers want to compete, Rourke must find a way to move the ball through the air.
Aiden Fisher, LB — Fisher leads the Hoosier’s top-ranked rush defense with 108 tackles. He was an integral part of stopping Michigan’s run-heavy offense, recording a season-high 14 tackles in the win. Indiana is allowing just 70.8 yards per game on the ground, but that number will be tested by the Irish’s rushing attack with RBs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price and QB Riley Leonard.
Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love, RB — On the flip side, Love will need to penetrate the Hoosiers’ stout rushing defense. The 6-foot, 206-pound back is averaging 7.1 yards per rush this season, just barely behind Ashton Jeanty’s 7.3 mark. He has put together a great rushing season, and the Irish will rely on his efficiency again to put away Indiana.
Xavier Watts, Safety — The senior safety leads Notre Dame’s relentless secondary. The Irish are third in the country in takeaways per game (2.3), led by Watt’s five interceptions. But while Rourke may have struggled against Ohio…
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