(7) Notre Dame advanced to the next round of the College Football Playoff with a decisive 27-17 victory over (10) Indiana. The win marked a historic milestone for the Irish, achieving their first playoff victory in program history.
From the outset, Notre Dame established control. The Fighting Irish scored on five of their nine drives, with an impressive ability to sustain drives and maintain possession. They initiated the scoring with a remarkable 98-yard touchdown run, setting the tone for the game.
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame’s quarterback, bounced back from an early interception to complete 23 passes for 203 yards and a touchdown. He capped his performance with a rushing touchdown late in the game, tying a single-season record for touchdowns by a quarterback at Notre Dame.
Defensively, the Irish were dominant. Indiana struggled to maintain momentum, failing to convert critical drives into points. The Hoosiers found themselves in passé territory multiple times only to walk away with just three points until the game’s final minutes.
The contest turned late when Indiana fought to stay in the game. In a last-ditch effort, they scored two late touchdowns, but their comeback fell short. Indiana’s offense, while explosive at times during the season, could not match the consistent pressure and efficiency imposed by Notre Dame.
The Fighting Irish’s trench play was exceptional, overpowering Indiana on both sides of the ball. Notre Dame’s offensive line created ample opportunity for their rushing game, racking up 194 yards and maintaining an impressive average of 5.7 yards per carry. Meanwhile, their defense stifled Indiana’s ground game, limiting them to just 63 yards.
Notre Dame now sets its sights on a Sugar Bowl clash against (2) Georgia, who awaits after a first-round bye. The Irish will bring a 27-game winning streak when holding a lead of 14 points or more, showcasing their resilience and consistency throughout the season.
Though Indiana demonstrated grit and spirit, the stats painted a picture of missed opportunities. Coach Curt Cignetti’s squad effectively earned their spot in the playoffs but faced a formidable opponent in Notre Dame. As the postseason continues, the Irish look poised for a deep run, building on the momentum from this landmark victory.
