In a historic moment for Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish claimed their first College Football Playoff victory, defeating the Indiana Hoosiers 27-17 on a chilly Friday night at Notre Dame Stadium. The seventh-seeded Irish capped off a remarkable season, enhancing their record to 12-1 and extending their winning streak to 11 games.
Jeremiyah Love made headlines with a breathtaking 98-yard touchdown run, a mark that ties the record for the longest run in College Football Playoff history and equals a school record previously set by Josh Adams in 2015. After allowing an early interception, the Irish quickly regained momentum by intercepting Indiana’s quarterback Kurtis Rourke just four plays later.
The Irish surged ahead 14-0 by scoring again on a methodical 16-play drive that culminated in a 5-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Riley Leonard to Jayden Thomas, taking over nine minutes off the clock. Notre Dame’s defense was formidable throughout, allowing the high-scoring Hoosiers to score only a field goal until the final two minutes of the game.
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti acknowledged Notre Dame’s dominance, stating that his team couldn’t capitalize and scratched their way to the end. Despite the loss, Indiana’s season was heralded as a success. They finished 11-2, experiencing a tremendous turnaround under Cignetti’s leadership after a challenging previous season.
As Notre Dame advances to the quarterfinals, they will face No. 2 seed Georgia at the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. Notably, Georgia’s starting quarterback Carson Beck may miss the game due to an elbow injury suffered in the SEC championship, potentially favoring the Irish’s chances.
Riley Leonard had an impressive performance, completing 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards and adding a rushing touchdown, thereby setting a new record for rushing touchdowns by a Notre Dame quarterback in a single season. Love contributed significantly, finishing with 108 yards on eight carries, while Jordan Faison led the receiving corps with seven catches for 89 yards.
The Hoosiers conclude their season with a school-record number of wins, a testament to their significant improvement from previous years. Cignetti expressed his disappointment yet recognized the extraordinary achievements of his squad this season, which will be remembered for breaking records and setting a high standard for the future.
This win not only adds to Notre Dame’s storied legacy but also highlights the ever-evolving landscape of college football, where underdog stories and remarkable comebacks become increasingly common. The anticipation for the upcoming Sugar Bowl is palpable, as fans look forward to seeing how the Irish build upon this season’s success.