SOUTH BEND, Ind. – In a historic evening at Notre Dame Stadium, the Fighting Irish achieved a momentous victory, securing their first-ever College Football Playoff win with a 27-17 triumph over Indiana. Jeremiyah Love made headlines by tying a Notre Dame record with a breathtaking 98-yard touchdown run.
The seventh-ranked Irish, boasting an impressive 12-1 record, won their 11th consecutive game in a playoff match that marked the first time the CFP was held on a campus site. Meanwhile, Indiana, seeded tenth with an 11-2 record, struggled offensively, finishing with their second-lowest point total of the season—most of which came in the final minutes when the game was already out of reach.
Coach Marcus Freeman expressed pride in the team’s achievement, noting, “We’re the first group to play and win a playoff game at Notre Dame Stadium, so that’s something we’ll share for the rest of our lives.”
Despite a shaky start where Indiana picked off a tipped pass from Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, the Irish regained their momentum quickly, intercepting Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke shortly thereafter. Love’s impressive 98-yard run not only set a CFP record but matched the longest run in Notre Dame’s history. Notre Dame extended their lead with a methodical 16-play drive that ended in a touchdown pass from Leonard to Jayden Thomas.
Defensively, Notre Dame stifled Indiana throughout the game, allowing only one field goal until the last minute and a half. Indiana’s coach, Curt Cignetti, acknowledged the dominance of the Irish, stating, “They won, they deserved to win.”
Looking ahead, Notre Dame is set to face No. 2 seed Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, where they will aim to continue their playoff journey. Notably, Georgia’s starting quarterback Carson Beck may not play due to recent injury concerns.
Riley Leonard had an impressive performance, completing 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards and a touchdown, while also setting a new school record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a single season with 15. Jeremiyah Love contributed significantly to the victory with a total of 108 rushing yards, while Jordan Faison led in receiving with seven catches for 89 yards.
On the other hand, Indiana’s season concluded after a remarkable turnaround, achieving a record number of wins under Cignetti’s leadership. He reflected on the team’s success, emphasizing the importance of resilience in the face of disappointment.
With this victory, the Irish have cemented their dominance over Indiana, now leading the all-time series 24-5-1, with the Hoosiers last winning against them in 1950.
As both teams look to the future, the Irish’s historic win showcases their determination and ambition as they continue to chase a national championship, while Indiana’s impressive run this season highlights their potential for future success.
This story highlights not only the thrill of competition in college football but also the spirit of perseverance that both teams demonstrated throughout the season. Notre Dame’s evolving legacy and Indiana’s remarkable journey offer fans and players alike ample reasons for optimism looking ahead.