Notre Dame made history on Friday, December 20, 2024, by becoming the first team to win a College Football Playoff game at home, defeating No. 10 Indiana 27-17 at Notre Dame Stadium. This victory not only marked the Irish's first win in the playoff, but also came with standout performances, particularly from running back Jeremiyah Love, who propelled his team with a record-setting 98-yard touchdown run.
The game got off to a dramatic start when Indiana's defense intercepted Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard on the second play from scrimmage. Yet, just four plays later, Notre Dame answered back, with the Hoosiers' Kurtis Rourke throwing his own interception to Xavier Watts, giving the Fighting Irish renewed momentum.
Capitalizing on this momentum, Love broke loose down the sideline for the longest run recorded in College Football Playoff history, sprinting 98 yards for the opening score, bringing the crowd to its feet. "Jeremiyah Love tied a Notre Dame record with a 98-yard touchdown run," reported WNDU/AP. Notre Dame continued to roll, with Leonard connecting with Jayden Thomas on a five-yard touchdown pass, making it 14-0.
Indiana managed to get on the scoreboard with a 34-yard field goal by Nicolas Radicic, but the fighting Irish quickly matched it, extending their lead to 17-3 with Mitch Jeter nailing another field goal just before halftime. Despite these efforts, Indiana’s offense struggled, totaling only 278 yards compared to Notre Dame’s impressive 394 yards.
Notably, the Fighting Irish's defense held the Hoosiers’ potent attack, which had averaged over 43 points per game, to just 17 points. They managed to force Indiana to make six punts and secure one interception, showcasing the dominance they displayed throughout the game. The powerful defensive performance came amid concerns over potential weaknesses, as defensive coordinator Al Golden effectively managed his players, limiting Indiana at every turn.
Despite trailing significantly, Indiana put together two late touchdown drives, resulting in their only scores of the second half, coming within two possessions late in the game's fourth quarter. The Hoosiers scored their first touchdown on a seven-yard pass from Rourke to wideout Myles Price, followed by two-point conversion attempts. Yet, Notre Dame's defense remained resolute, successfully stopping Indiana's two-point conversion attempt and sealing the victory.
Throughout the game, Riley Leonard completed 23 of his 32 passes for 201 yards, adding to his season tally, which became historic with his one rushing touchdown. He now holds the record for the most rushing touchdowns by a Notre Dame quarterback, with 15. Jordan Faison led the receiving corps with seven catches for 89 yards, playing a pivotal role in moving the offense downfield.
The Irish's effective rushing game also played its role; they amassed 193 yards on the ground, with Love recording 108 yards on just eight carries. "Notre Dame's rushing attack proved effective against what had been a stout Indiana defense, which entered the game as the only team to allow under 1,000 rushing yards all season," noted coverage from USA Today.
With the win, Notre Dame now moves on to face No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, scheduled for January 1, 2025. This matchup not only brings back memories of previous close encounters but sets the stage for yet another intense clash between two storied programs. Coach Marcus Freeman and the Irish will hope to advance their playoff hurdles against the formidable Bulldogs.
The loss, on the other hand, effectively ended Indiana’s remarkable season. They finished with their second-lowest scoring performance of the season, ending what was widely regarded as their best campaign to date. Under Coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana achieved an 11-1 record this year, breaking school records for wins and solidifying their place among collegiate football's playoff contenders.
Despite the disappointment of the playoff exit, Indiana's historic season serves as an encouraging benchmark for the program's future. After years of battling through disappointing seasons, the Hoosiers have shown they can compete on the national stage. The final score of 27-17 not only reflects the efforts of the Notre Dame team but highlights both programs' positions heading forward.
