SOUTH BEND, Ind. – In a historic moment for the Notre Dame football program, the Fighting Irish secured their first-ever victory in the College Football Playoff (CFP) by defeating Indiana 27-17 on a chilly Friday night at Notre Dame Stadium. This win marks a significant milestone, as Notre Dame became the first team to win a playoff game on their home campus.
Seventh-seeded Notre Dame (12-1) extended their winning streak to 11 consecutive games, while Indiana, seeded tenth with a record of 11-2, struggled to put points on the board, finishing with their second-lowest total of the season. Much of Indiana’s scoring occurred after the game was effectively decided, with under two minutes remaining.
“Being the first to achieve something is a rare and special experience,” said Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. “As the first group to win a playoff game at Notre Dame Stadium, this will be a cherished memory for us.”
The game started with Indiana gaining momentum after intercepting a tipped pass from Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard. However, the Irish quickly regained control, intercepting Hoosier quarterback Kurtis Rourke on the subsequent drive. On the next play, running back Jeremiyah Love electrified the crowd with a record-tying 98-yard touchdown run, the longest in CFP history and equal to the longest run in Notre Dame’s history.
The Irish extended their lead to 14-0 with a lengthy 16-play, 83-yard touchdown drive capped by a 5-yard touchdown pass from Leonard to Jayden Thomas. Notre Dame’s defense proved to be relentless, allowing only one field goal until the final moments of the game.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti acknowledged Notre Dame’s dominance, stating, “They took it to us… they deserved to win.” Despite the disappointment, he praised his team’s achievements this season, which included a school record for wins.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame will face the No. 2 seed Georgia in the quarterfinals of the CFP during the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. Notably, Georgia’s starting quarterback Carson Beck may miss the game due to an elbow injury sustained during the SEC championship.
Leonard finished the game with impressive stats, completing 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards and one touchdown, alongside his 1-yard rushing touchdown, marking a new Notre Dame record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. Jeremiyah Love shone on the ground with 108 yards on just eight carries, while Jordan Faison led the receiving corps with seven catches for 89 yards.
Indiana’s remarkable turnaround this season, under Cignetti’s leadership, saw them transform from a three-win team last year to a formidable contender. “No one’s as disappointed as I am, but sometimes you face disappointment and must come back from it,” Cignetti remarked, reflecting on his team’s accomplishments.
The victory further solidifies Notre Dame’s historical supremacy over Indiana, with an overall record of 24-5-1 against the Hoosiers. Indiana’s last win against Notre Dame dates back to 1950, with their last victory on Notre Dame’s home turf occurring in 1898.
This significant playoff triumph for Notre Dame not only enhances their legacy but also sets high expectations for their upcoming matchup against Georgia, keeping fans hopeful for continued success in the tournament.