Looking at flights, hotels, etc. But now curious about Amtrak?

11/18 @ 4:05pm Union Station (DC)
11/19 @ 7:51am South Bend

Game at 3:30pm

11/19 @ 9:09pm South Bend
11/20 @ 1:05pm Union Station (DC)

It'd be a travel option that takes care of both the travel and the lodging, but I'd be worried about two things:

1. Notorious Amtrak delays. Although even a few-hour delay would get me to South Bend well before the game.

2. Getting to the Amtrak station right after the game.



Thoughts? Anyone ever taken a trip of any length on Amtrak? I haven't since I was a kid, between Lorton and FL.