SOUTH BEND, Ind. – In a historic moment for the program, Jeremiyah Love broke a Notre Dame record with a stunning 98-yard touchdown run, leading the Fighting Irish to a 27-17 victory over Indiana in the first round of the College Football Playoff. This win marks the Irish’s inaugural playoff victory, cementing their place in NCAA history on a chilly Friday night at Notre Dame Stadium.
The seventh-seeded Irish (12-1) have now won 11 consecutive games, achieving this milestone in the first CFP contest ever held on a university campus. Indiana, the No. 10 seed with an impressive record of 11-2, struggled against the Irish defense, scoring their second-lowest points of the season, most of which came in garbage time just before the final whistle.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman expressed pride in being the first team to claim a playoff victory at Notre Dame Stadium, a moment they will cherish for years. The game started with Indiana gaining brief momentum after an interception, but Notre Dame quickly retaliated by intercepting Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke shortly afterward.
Love’s record run set the tone, as he evaded tackles to score a touchdown before the Irish extended their lead with a methodical drive that ended in a touchdown pass from Riley Leonard to Jayden Thomas. The Irish defense was formidable, limiting Indiana’s scoring opportunities until the final two minutes of the game.
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti acknowledged Notre Dame’s dominance, highlighting their superior performance and the impact it had on Indiana’s game plan. The Irish defenders held strong against Indiana’s offense, leading to a performance that showcased their skill and determination.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame will face the No. 2 seed Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, aiming to continue their playoff run against a historically tough opponent. With Georgia’s starting quarterback likely sidelined due to injury, the Irish seem poised for an exciting challenge.
Leonard wrapped up the game with impressive stats, completing 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards and contributing a rushing touchdown that set a new record for rushing touchdowns by a Notre Dame quarterback in a single season.
Despite the defeat, Cignetti noted the significant progress made by Indiana this season, which included a record number of wins and a turnaround after a challenging previous year. This marks a significant achievement for the Hoosiers, suggesting the potential for a bright future under Cignetti’s leadership.
Overall, the Irish lead the all-time series against Indiana with a record of 24-5-1, showcasing their long-standing rivalry and dominance in college football. This victory for Notre Dame reflects not only their strength this season but also offers hope and excitement as they continue their journey in the playoffs.
With the combination of outstanding individual performances and a collective team effort, the Fighting Irish have demonstrated the spirit and skill needed to compete at the highest level, and fans are eager to see how far they can go this postseason.