Jeremiyah Love made history for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with a spectacular 98-yard touchdown run, tying a school record and helping his team secure a 27-17 victory over Indiana in the first round of the College Football Playoff (CFP) on a chilly Friday night at Notre Dame Stadium. This victory marks Notre Dame’s first-ever win in the College Football Playoff, making it a night to remember for the seventh-seeded Irish, who have now won 11 consecutive games and improved their season record to 12-1.
The game was notable as it was the first CFP game played at a campus location, and the Irish showcased their defensive prowess by stifling Indiana’s high-powered offense, which finished with its second-lowest scoring output of the season. Much of Indiana’s scoring came in the game’s closing minutes when the outcome was already decided.
Head coach Marcus Freeman expressed pride in the accomplishment, reflecting on the significance of being the inaugural group to win a playoff game at Notre Dame Stadium. Momentum shifted early when Indiana intercepted a pass from Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, but the Irish quickly regained control with a pick of their own against Indiana’s quarterback, Kurtis Rourke.
Love’s phenomenal touchdown, the longest run in CFP history, set the tone for the game, followed by a 16-play drive capped off with a touchdown pass from Leonard to Jayden Thomas. Notre Dame’s defense played a critical role throughout the game, yielding just one field goal until the very end.
As the Irish advance to face the second-seeded Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, they are poised for another challenge. Georgia has historically done well against Notre Dame, but the absence of Bulldogs starting quarterback Carson Beck due to an elbow injury could be a pivotal factor.
Leonard had an impressive outing, completing 23 of 32 passes with 201 yards and contributing a rushing touchdown that broke the record for most rushing touchdowns by a Notre Dame quarterback in a season. Additionally, Love helped lead on the ground with 108 rushing yards.
Although Indiana’s season comes to a close, the team under head coach Curt Cignetti made significant strides, setting a single-season school record for wins after a difficult previous season. Cignetti noted the progress made and the bittersweet nature of the loss but emphasized the achievements of the team throughout the season.
Notre Dame now holds a dominant all-time series lead over Indiana, enhancing its legacy with this playoff win.
In summary, the Fighting Irish’s victory symbolizes a significant milestone for the program and its potential path forward in the playoffs. It highlights a bright future for both teams, as Notre Dame aims for continued success while Indiana can look back on a promising season of transformation. It’s a hopeful reminder of the resilience and potential of college football teams to rise above challenges and create unforgettable moments on the field.