In a historic moment for Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish achieved their first victory in the College Football Playoff (CFP), defeating Indiana 27-17 at Notre Dame Stadium. Jeremiyah Love made headlines by matching a school record with an incredible 98-yard touchdown run, marking the longest run in CFP history.
The seventh-seeded Irish, who now hold an impressive 12-1 season record, showcased their defensive prowess by limiting the tenth-seeded Hoosiers to their second-lowest scoring output of the season. Indiana’s 11-2 season included a remarkable turnaround, achieving a school record for wins after a rough stretch where they won only three games the previous year.
Notre Dame quickly asserted control of the game, starting with Love’s electrifying run that gave them an early 7-0 lead. The Irish extended their advantage to 14-0 after a lengthy 16-play drive, concluding with a touchdown pass from Riley Leonard to Jayden Thomas. The Irish defense remained steadfast throughout the game, allowing only one field goal until the final moments, when Indiana managed to score as the game neared its conclusion.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame is set to face the number two seed Georgia in the CFP quarterfinals during the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. This matchup sparks excitement as it will test the Irish against a formidable opponent. Notably, Georgia’s quarterback Carson Beck is expected to be sidelined due to an elbow injury sustained in the SEC championship game.
Riley Leonard delivered a strong performance, completing 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards and recording a rushing touchdown, which broke the record for most rushing touchdowns in a single season by a Notre Dame quarterback. Jeremiyah Love added to the offensive success with 108 rushing yards, and Jordan Faison led the receiving corps with seven catches for 89 yards.
On the flip side, Indiana’s season concludes on a high note amidst a successful comeback, demonstrating strong promise under the leadership of first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. With a new outlook following their record-setting season, both teams have much to look forward to in the coming years.
The Fighting Irish now lead the historical series against Indiana with a record of 24-5-1, extending their dominance after Indiana’s last win over them in 1950. This victory not only highlights Notre Dame’s growth in the program but also marks an exciting chapter in College Football Playoff history.
Overall, this thrilling playoff win for Notre Dame sets the stage for an exciting showdown against Georgia, offering fans hope for continued success in the postseason.