Notre Dame players excited for opportunity to host first round playoff game

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - From national championships to Heisman winners, Notre Dame football is one of the most storied programs in sports history.

But the Irish will get a first on Friday when they host Indiana in the first ever College Football Playoff game to be played on a school’s campus.

Previously in the four-team playoff era, all the games were at neutral sites around the country. That will still be the case for the later rounds, but the first-round games give teams the unique opportunity to host a postseason matchup.

It will not feel exactly like a Notre Dame home game inside the stadium, as Indiana will get to have its intro video played, among a couple other pieces that will make it feel kind of like a neutral site.

But it is still right on campus and Irish fans are expected to make up most of the crowd, which has the Notre Dame players excited.

“There’s no doubt about it there’s been a call to action to Irish fans to make this atmosphere different,” says sixth-year linebacker Jack Kiser. “I don’t know the last time a Friday night game has been played in Notre Dame Stadium, but I can imagine it’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere to be a part of. So, if you’ve got the opportunity to be there, put your coat on and put your hat on, and stand up. You’ll be warmer standing than you will be sitting.”

“It’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere,” says senior offensive lineman Pat Coogan. “I’m really excited to be a part of it, but at the same time we’ve got to go play a football game. We can’t get lost in all the theatrics and the crowd noise and anything like that. It’s got to be used to our advantage, but it is going to be an unbelievable opportunity.”

Friday night’s playoff tilt at Notre Dame Stadium is set to kick off at 8 p.m. EST. If you’re not going to the game, you can watch it on ABC/ESPN.