On a historic Friday night in college football’s new playoff era, Notre Dame achieved a long-awaited milestone. Behind a stout defense, a sensational rushing performance from Jeremiyah Love, and steady leadership from quarterback Riley Leonard, the Fighting Irish defeated Indiana 27-17 in the first-round game of the College Football Playoff at snow-dusted Notre Dame Stadium.
For head coach Marcus Freeman, the victory marked the most significant win of his tenure, delivering Notre Dame (12-1) its first playoff victory in school history after three previous attempts. The Irish now advance to face SEC champion Georgia (11-2) in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, with hopes of capturing their first national title since 1988.
Notre Dame wasted no time seizing control of the game. On Indiana’s opening possession, Xavier Watts intercepted a Kurtis Rourke pass at the Irish 2-yard line, setting the stage for an electrifying moment. On the very next play, Jeremiyah Love burst through the right side of the Hoosiers’ defense, broke a tackle, and sprinted 98 yards for a touchdown. The run tied Josh Adams’ school record and set a new College Football Playoff mark for the longest touchdown run.
“It was surreal,” Love said postgame. “To do that on this stage, in front of our fans, is something I’ll never forget.”
Love, who has battled injuries throughout the season, finished with 108 yards on just eight carries before reinjuring his knee late in the first half. Despite his limited availability, Notre Dame’s rushing attack set the tone for the game.
The Irish defense, a hallmark of Freeman’s 2024 squad, was in top form. Indiana (11-2), the highest-scoring team in the playoffs, was held to just 63 rushing yards and struggled to find rhythm against Notre Dame’s relentless pressure. Quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who had excelled throughout the season, was rattled early, throwing an interception and finishing 20 of 33 for 215 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Notre Dame’s offense complemented the defensive effort with a balanced attack. Leonard accounted for two touchdowns, including a 1-yard scoring run late in the fourth quarter to break Notre Dame’s single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. He also completed 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards and one touchdown.
Receiver Jordan Faison contributed significantly, hauling in seven catches for 89 yards, while the Irish running game chewed up valuable clock and kept Indiana’s explosive offense off the field.
For the Hoosiers, the loss marked a disappointing end to a record-setting season under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. Indiana had entered the playoffs trailing fewer minutes than any other FBS team and boasting a dynamic offense. However, the Hoosiers couldn’t replicate their regular-season magic against Notre Dame’s disciplined defense.
Despite the loss, Cignetti remained optimistic. “We built something special this year,” he said. “Our players fought hard all season, and this is just the beginning for Indiana football.”
Notre Dame’s win not only ties the program’s record for most victories in a season (12) but also keeps alive their pursuit of a long-awaited national championship. To achieve that goal, the Irish will need to elevate their passing game against a Georgia team loaded with talent on both sides of the ball.
“We know what’s ahead,” Freeman said. “Georgia is a tremendous team, but we’re playing our best football right now. We’ll enjoy this win tonight, and then it’s back to work.”
As snowflakes continued to fall and the team gathered to sing the alma mater, it was clear that this victory was about more than just advancing in the playoffs. For Notre Dame, it was a moment to celebrate their resilience, their history, and their hope for a championship future.
