The Fighting Irish are marching on. In a historic matchup, Notre Dame defeated Indiana in the first round of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP), earning a hard-fought victory to secure their spot in the quarterfinals.
Facing in-state rival Indiana for the first time since 1991, Notre Dame showcased both grit and precision in a game that lived up to the playoff hype. Sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love stole the spotlight early with a jaw-dropping 98-yard touchdown run, tying a school record and setting the tone for the Irish. Quarterback Riley Leonard added to the offensive firepower, delivering key completions and a rushing touchdown to keep Notre Dame ahead.
Defensively, the Fighting Irish lived up to their name, stifling Indiana’s offense and capitalizing on turnovers to maintain control of the game. While Indiana showed resilience under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti, their efforts fell short against a more seasoned Notre Dame squad.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman praised his team’s focus and execution, emphasizing the importance of playing complementary football at this critical stage. “This was a team win. Everyone stepped up when it mattered most,” Freeman said postgame.
The victory propels Notre Dame into a marquee quarterfinal showdown against powerhouse Georgia, the No. 2 seed. The Bulldogs, known for their dominant defense and explosive playmakers, present a formidable challenge, but the Irish appear ready to rise to the occasion.
As Notre Dame prepares for their next test, fans and analysts alike are buzzing with excitement. The expanded CFP format has already delivered thrilling matchups, and the stage is set for another epic clash. For now, though, the Fighting Irish can celebrate a milestone victory as they continue their pursuit of a national championship.
