Some contend Indiana’s poor performance indicates it shouldn’t have been in the College Football Playoff. But the Hoosiers earned their spot.

Indiana came into the game with the No. 2 defense in the country and the No. 6 scoring defense. The Hoosiers also ranked No. 1 in rush defense, No. 9 in pass defense and had the No. 8 third-down defense in the country. Notre Dame surpassed Indiana's season average in each of those categories and almost doubled up their points allowed.