Notre Dame playoff victory/ College Football Playoff 2024/ Notre Dame vs. Indiana recap/ Marcus Freeman/ Sugar Bowl matchup/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Notre Dame claimed its first-ever College Football Playoff victory Friday night, defeating Indiana 27-17 at home. Jeremiyah Love’s 98-yard touchdown run set the tone early, while Riley Leonard contributed two scores. The win propels the Fighting Irish (12-1) to a Sugar Bowl matchup against Georgia as they pursue their first national championship since 1988.
Notre Dame’s Historic Playoff Win: A Quick Look
Key Points
- Jeremiyah Love’s Record Run: A 98-yard touchdown on Notre Dame’s third play set the tone early.
- Riley Leonard’s Leadership: The quarterback threw for one touchdown and rushed for another, breaking a school record for QB rushing scores.
- Indiana’s Struggles: Indiana’s high-scoring offense was stifled, managing only 63 rushing yards.
- Notre Dame Advances: The Fighting Irish face Georgia in the Sugar Bowl for a chance to reach the semifinals.
Notre Dame Secures First-Ever Playoff Victory, Beats Indiana 27-17
Deep Look
Notre Dame Secures First Playoff Victory
Under the snowy lights of Notre Dame Stadium, the Fighting Irish (12-1) earned their first College Football Playoff win, beating Indiana 27-17 in a game that showcased dominance on both sides of the ball. It marked a milestone for head coach Marcus Freeman, who credited his team’s resilience after past playoff losses.
“There’s not many times in your life that you’re the first to do something,” Freeman said. “We’re the first group to play and win a playoff game at Notre Dame Stadium.”
Key Moments of the Game
- Early Burst by Jeremiyah Love
Notre Dame’s explosive start began with Xavier Watts intercepting Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke. On the ensuing play, Jeremiyah Love sprinted 98 yards for a touchdown, tying the school and College Football Playoff records for the longest run. - Riley Leonard’s Poise
Leonard accounted for two touchdowns, including a fourth-quarter 1-yard run that set a Notre Dame single-season record for quarterback rushing scores. He completed 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards, adding a crucial 2-point conversion. - Defensive Dominance
Notre Dame’s defense held Indiana’s prolific offense, which entered as the playoff’s highest-scoring team, to just 63 rushing yards and forced Rourke into a lackluster performance.
Indiana’s Resilient Season Ends
The Hoosiers (11-2) enjoyed a historic season under AP Coach of the Year Curt Cignetti but faltered under Notre Dame’s pressure. Indiana’s last win at Notre Dame came in 1898, and Friday night’s loss extended that drought.
“They took it to us,” Cignetti said. “They won, they deserved to win. We didn’t play our best game, but they had a lot to do with that.”
Playoff Implications and What’s Next
Notre Dame’s victory secures a Sugar Bowl matchup against SEC champion Georgia, a game with major stakes as the Irish aim for their first national championship since 1988.
Indiana enters the offseason focused on building on its first-year success under Cignetti, which restored the program’s national relevance.
Takeaways
Indiana
- Despite their potent offense, the Hoosiers struggled against Notre Dame’s defense.
- Quarterback Kurtis Rourke’s inconsistent performance against elite defenses remains a concern.
Notre Dame
- The Irish defense and ground game were key to their victory.
- To win a national championship, Notre Dame may need more production from its passing game.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.