SOUTH BEND — The Notre Dame football team made history by defeating 10th-seeded Indiana 27-17 on Friday night in the inaugural on-campus College Football Playoff game. With this victory, the seventh-seeded Fighting Irish advanced to the quarterfinals of the 12-team tournament and improved their record to 12-1, marking their 11th consecutive win since a loss to Northern Illinois in Week 2. Indiana’s remarkable season came to an end with an 11-2 record.
Jeremiyah Love made headlines with a remarkable 98-yard touchdown run, which tied the program record for the longest scoring run previously set by Josh Adams in 2015. Notre Dame’s offense displayed resilience, accumulating 155 rushing yards by halftime against a formidable Indiana defense known for yielding only 71 yards per game. Riley Leonard, despite an interception on his opening pass, orchestrated a significant 16-play, 83-yard scoring drive during the game.
On the defensive front, Notre Dame excelled, achieving an impressive performance that led to a solid grade of A. The Irish managed to thwart Indiana’s high-powered offense, which ranked first in red-zone touchdown conversions and 12th in third-down efficiency. Notably, the Hoosiers failed to convert their first two red-zone attempts, including a pivotal interception by Xavier Watts.
Special teams also had their moments, highlighted by Mitch Jeter’s return from injury, where he successfully kicked two field goals, including a 49-yarder. Though he had a 37-yard attempt blocked, his performance was vital for maintaining momentum.
Head coach Marcus Freeman effectively steered the team through the game, showcasing strategic clock management that amplified their lead just before halftime. This victory marks Notre Dame’s first postseason win over a top-10 opponent in over thirty years, injecting hope and excitement into their journey to the Sugar Bowl, where they will face second-ranked Georgia in pursuit of their third national title in four years.
The Irish’s determination and ability to perform under pressure reflect a bright future for the team as they advance further into the playoffs, offering fans a thrilling and hopeful journey ahead.