SOUTH BEND — Notre Dame football made history on Friday night by securing a 27-17 victory over the 10th-seeded Indiana in the inaugural on-campus College Football Playoff game. This win propels the seventh-seeded Irish into the quarterfinals of the 12-team tournament, improving their record to 12-1. They’ve achieved this milestone by winning 11 consecutive games since they suffered a Week 2 home loss to Northern Illinois. Meanwhile, Indiana’s remarkable season concludes with an 11-2 record.
Jeremiyah Love notably set a program record with a 98-yard touchdown run, matching the longest scoring run in Notre Dame’s history, previously set by Josh Adams in 2015. Notre Dame displayed a powerful offense, amassing 155 rushing yards by halftime, and quarterback Riley Leonard, despite an early interception, led a commendable 16-play, 83-yard scoring drive.
Defensively, Notre Dame excelled, limiting Indiana—known for their strong red-zone conversions and third-down efficiency—to 0 for 2 in red-zone attempts and only 3 of 7 on third downs in the first half. This control was significantly aided by the return of Howard Cross III, who contributed to holding Indiana to just 61 rushing yards in the first half.
Special teams performance was solid, with Mitch Jeter overcoming past struggles to successfully make a 49-yard field goal, alongside other contributions including a 43-yard kickoff return to set the tone in the second half.
Coaching played a significant role in the win, with Marcus Freeman outmaneuvering Indiana’s celebrated coach, Curt Cignetti, expertly managing the clock to maintain their lead and control the game’s flow.
Overall, Notre Dame not only achieved a historic victory but also secured their first postseason win against a top-10 opponent in over thirty years. The team now looks ahead to the Sugar Bowl, where they will face second-ranked Georgia, eager to chase their third national title in four years.
This significant win exemplifies Notre Dame’s resilience and determination, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes situations. Fans remain hopeful as the Irish continue on their path to potential glory in the Sugar Bowl.