The matchup between Indiana and Notre Dame is primed to be a lower-scoring affair, driven by strong defensive units and conservative offensive tendencies. Indiana boasts a solid defense, ranking 24th nationally in total defense and allowing just 325.7 yards per game. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s defense is even more formidable, allowing only 19.6 points per game, which ranks 18th in FBS. Offensively, neither team excels at putting up high numbers. Indiana averages a modest 22.7 points per game, ranking 93rd nationally, and relies heavily on clock-consuming drives. Notre Dame, though more balanced, averages just 27.5 points per game and similarly favors methodical, time-eating offensive strategies.

Historical trends between the two programs also point toward a low-scoring contest, as past matchups have often been dominated by field position and defensive stops. Recent form supports this as well, with Indiana games going under the total in 5 of their last 7 and Notre Dame seeing unders in 4 of their last 6. Indiana’s offensive line has struggled, which could be exploited by Notre Dame’s defense that ranks 12th nationally in sacks, further limiting Indiana’s ability to score. With both teams likely adopting cautious game plans in a high-stakes contest, the Under 52 emerges as a compelling play in this matchup.