The College Football Playoff bracket is SET, and one of the first-round matchups that is sure to excite is a Hoosier state showdown. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will take on the Indiana Hoosiers. Notre Dame is a 7.5-point favorite against Indiana at DraftKings Sportsbook. To shed more light on this matchup and the team’s current state, Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard joined Monday’s edition of GoJo and Golic.
The 12-team playoff brings a March Madness vibe to college football — get your printable bracket here — leaving teams on edge as they await their matchups. Mike Golic Jr. asked Leonard his reaction and the rest of his teammates’ reactions once it was revealed that they would face Indiana in the first round. He explained it was great to figure out who they were playing FINALLY, and he jokingly added that everyone on the team was trying to do their best Dr. Strange impersonation to predict the future. He admitted that 50 different outcomes stirred in his mind so much that he got frustrated and just wanted to know who his team was playing. However, once it was revealed that they would be facing the Hoosiers, he thought, what more can you ask for? With so many people in the media now acknowledging that Indiana is a football state, it only adds more hype around the matchup and Leonard says he’s ready to roll!
Notre Dame’s embarrassing upset loss to Northern Illinois back in Week 2 seems to have lit a fire underneath the Fighting Irish as they were able to rattle off 10 straight wins. Mike Golic Sr. asked Leonard how Irish head coach Marcus Freeman used that loss to motivate Notre Dame week after week. Leonard shared that Freeman brings it up before every game to piss the Irish off and that they are not avoiding the fact they lost that game. Moreover, Freeman encourages Leonard and his teammates to KEEP THE PAIN from that loss. Leonard shared that Freeman told him he would be thankful for the loss, and at the moment, he admitted he was not trying to hear it, but Freeman may have been right, given how Notre Dame has responded.
Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman, a master motivator, keeps the sting of the NIU upset alive.👀
“When I tell you, he brings it up before every game just to, you know, kind of piss us off a little bit, he does…He always tells us to keep the pain and reminds me of that game and the… pic.twitter.com/8zA2VsQJWY
— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) December 9, 2024
With the momentum that the Fighting Irish have been building throughout the season, GoJo asked Leonard when things started to click for him and the offense. Leonard noted that things started to click when he gained confidence from the coaches, showing how much they believed in him. He admitted he is the type of guy who needs that reassurance, and once he and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock began meeting regularly, they ultimately got on the same page. He asked for input on what plays he liked and even what he ran at Duke. Leonard admitted his confidence grew stronger because they considered these aspects of his development when building their game plans. To his point, Leonard acknowledged that he had more reps in this offense since the NIU game than in all of fall camp, spring ball or any prior years. He mentioned that every week, those extra reps make a huge difference.
Although quarterbacks tend to receive the majority of credit for their team’s success, they are NOTHING without the support of their offensive linemen. Senior gave Leonard the floor to give his offensive lineman some love. Leonard praised his offensive line, explaining that their almost military-like approach is all about discipline and unity — if one player is watching the film, the whole group joins in, with no distractions like phones. Practices are intense, with starters and backups holding each other accountable and pushing for excellence. Leonard also noted that their bond extends off the field, saying, “If you see one of them, you’ll see 15 of them.” He emphasized their toughness and work ethic, adding, “They’re hardheaded, but man, they block their tails off.
.@rileyleonard13_ on Notre Dame's O-line Synergy:
“These guys upfront here, it is something SPECIAL…You know, they have a military-based culture…If one guy is watching film, everybody’s in there watching film, nobody’s on their phones. It is straight BUSINESS.”@mikegolicjr |… pic.twitter.com/XUlwgY3Ca9
— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) December 9, 2024
How a team carries itself is very much a reflection of its coaches’ leadership. GoJo asked Leonard to elaborate on Freeman’s impact on the program and his impression of the local South Bend community. Leonard spoke highly of Freeman, emphasizing his genuine care for everyone within the program. He added Freeman knows every person’s name in the facility right down to the janitors, and the head coach treats everyone as if they are the starting quarterback. Leonard shared the Bible verse of Matthew 25:40, which says, “Treat me as you treat the least of us,” saying Freeman embodies the principle of respecting and valuing everyone equally. Leonard noted that this attitude has shaped the team’s culture, with captains following Freeman’s example in fostering respect across the board. Leonard also recalled a recruiting story that highlighted Freeman’s dedication. Before Leonard had even committed to ND, he sent Freeman a two-hour podcast featuring Tom Brady. Just hours later, Freeman had watched everything and was ready to discuss it in detail, further personifying Freeman’s mindset and approach.
"Coach Freeman treats everybody like they're the starting quarterback. He knows everyone on a personal level. That culture steams from the top down. Our Captains do a great job respecting everybody because we see it every day in Coach Freeman." @rileyleonard13_ on Head Coach… pic.twitter.com/e3Z5CLOTKT
— GoJo and Golic (@GoJoandGolic) December 9, 2024
As far as the South Bend community, Leonard was struck by the widespread passion for Notre Dame football. He mentioned you drive two hours in any direction, and you’ll see a Notre Dame flag on someone’s front porch. This contrasts his time at Duke, where local rivalries were much closer. Leonard added that the Notre Dame fanbase isn’t confined to Indiana, recalling encounters with passionate supporters in Chicago, New York City and beyond.
Switching the focus to the CFP matchup against the Hoosiers, GoJo asked Leonard his first impressions of Indiana. Leonard praised Indiana for being a well-coached team that executes effectively. He stressed that they know what to do and when to do it, adding that the team seems to have a solid understanding of their schemes and purpose. Leonard highlighted Indiana’s ability to mix up coverages on defense, noting that while they stick to their core strategies, they use various approaches to keep opponents guessing.
Watch or listen to the full show below and tune into GoJo and Golic weekday mornings from 8-10 a.m. ET on DraftKings Network! See more about how to watch DraftKings Network here.
SHOW BREAKDOWN
Hour 1: Juan Soto’s Mega Mets Money, Chiefs’ Doink For The Divison + College Football Playoff Recap & Mike’d Up Monday
VIDEO
Watch GoJo and Golic every weekday on Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Xumo Play, Google TV and DraftKingsNetwork.com from 8 to 10 a.m. ET. The show is also available via audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow Mike Golic Sr. on X at @golic and Mike Golic Jr. on X at @mikegolicjr.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
