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In the first on-campus College Football Playoff game in history, No. 7 Notre Dame delivered a commanding 27-17 victory over No. 10 Indiana, propelled by a record-setting performance from running back Jeremiah Love and a suffocating defensive effort.
The Fighting Irish (12-1) showcased the dominant physicality and defensive prowess that fueled their 11-game win streak, while Indiana’s (11-2) magical season ended under the weight of Notre Dame’s relentless attack. With the win, Marcus Freeman’s team advances to face SEC champion Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, taking one step closer to a national title.
Setting the Tone Early
On Notre Dame’s third play from scrimmage, Jeremiyah Love broke loose for a 98-yard touchdown run, tying the school record set in 2015 and marking the longest run in CFP history. Love’s sprint gave Notre Dame an immediate 7-0 lead and electrified the crowd at Notre Dame Stadium, where snowflakes danced in the brisk December air.
“I was looking up at the video board — he wasn’t going to catch me,” Love said.
Although Love reinjured his knee in the first half, his eight-carry, 108-yard performance set the tone for Notre Dame’s offense. The Irish controlled the trenches early, capitalizing on their offensive line’s strength against an Indiana defense that had been one of the nation’s best at limiting rushing yards before contact.
A Defensive Clinic
Notre Dame’s defense lived up to its reputation, neutralizing Indiana’s balanced offense from the opening whistle. Xavier Watts intercepted Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke on the Hoosiers’ first drive, setting the stage for a dominant defensive effort.
Rourke, who entered the game with one of the nation’s top passing grades, struggled under constant pressure from Notre Dame’s front seven. He finished 20 of 33 for 215 yards with two late touchdowns, one interception, and minimal support from a ground game that managed just 63 rushing yards.
“They took it to us,” Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said. “Their defense suffocated our offense until the last 1:50 or whatever.”
Notre Dame’s defense, ranked among the best in the nation, held Indiana’s high-scoring offense to a single field goal until the final two minutes.
Leonard’s Leadership Shines
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard rebounded from an early interception to deliver a composed performance. He accounted for two touchdowns—one passing, one rushing—and managed the game efficiently, finishing with 201 passing yards and 30 rushing yards.
Leonard’s fourth-quarter touchdown run broke the school’s single-season record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback, further cementing his status as a leader of this playoff-bound team.
“We’re just trying to stay alive and play as many games as we can,” Leonard said. “This is why I came here—to play for a [national] championship.”
Initial Thoughts vs. Reality
Before the game, Notre Dame’s ability to dominate the trenches with their rushing attack and defense was seen as the key to victory. That prediction proved accurate, as Love’s early touchdown and the defense’s smothering performance dictated the game’s outcome.
Indiana’s balanced offense, led by Kurtis Rourke and running back Jaylin Lucas, was expected to challenge Notre Dame’s defense. However, the Hoosiers’ struggles in the run game (63 yards) and inability to handle Notre Dame’s pass rush left them unable to mount a consistent attack.
The implied score of 27-21 closely mirrored the final result of 27-17, but Notre Dame’s defense outperformed expectations by holding Indiana to 17 points—most of which came in garbage time.
Key Stats
Notre Dame:
Jeremiah Love: 8 carries, 108 yards, 1 TD (98-yard run)
Riley Leonard: 23 of 32, 201 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 30 rushing yards, 1 TD
Xavier Watts: 1 INT, 3 tackles
Indiana:
Kurtis Rourke: 20 of 33, 215 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
Rushing Offense: 63 yards (3.0 YPC)
Mikail Kamara: 1 sack, 4 pressures
What’s Next?
Notre Dame will face No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, looking to advance to the CFP semifinals and keep their national championship hopes alive. With their defense firing on all cylinders and a potent rushing attack, the Irish are poised to challenge the Bulldogs.
For Indiana, the loss caps an incredible turnaround season under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. While falling short of the ultimate goal, the Hoosiers set a single-season school record for wins and re-established themselves as a program on the rise.
“No one’s as disappointed as I am, but this team accomplished things no other Indiana team did,” Cignetti said.
As the snowflakes settled over South Bend, Notre Dame celebrated not just a win, but a historic moment in their storied program—a victory that could propel them to even greater heights.