Notre Dame Defeats Indiana Hoosiers in First-Ever 12-Team College Football Playoff Game

The historic 12-team College Football Playoff began with an exciting matchup as Notre Dame hosted Indiana on a frosty night in South Bend. By the final whistle, the Fighting Irish emerged victorious, defeating the Hoosiers 27-17 and securing their spot in the quarterfinals.

Notre Dame’s Dominance Sets the Tone Early

From the start, the Fighting Irish capitalized on their home-field advantage. Fans filled the stadium with energy, making it an uncomfortable environment for Indiana. The Hoosiers, seemingly rattled, were forced to punt early after a shaky offensive drive.

However, Indiana’s defense momentarily gave the team hope. They intercepted Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, only for the Hoosiers’ offense to falter on their next drive. A turnover near the end zone proved costly, and Notre Dame wasted no time punishing them. Running back Jeremiyah Love electrified the crowd with a blistering 98-yard touchdown run, putting Notre Dame ahead 7-0 by the end of the first quarter.

The statistics told the story: Notre Dame racked up 131 rushing yards in the first quarter alone. For a team like Indiana, which had allowed just 70 rushing yards per game throughout the season, this was unfamiliar territory.

Indiana Struggles Against Notre Dame’s Physicality

Heading into the second quarter, the Fighting Irish maintained their momentum. They extended their lead to 17-3 by halftime, dominating on both sides of the ball. Indiana’s defense, which had been a cornerstone of their 11-1 season, looked overmatched. Their only regular-season loss came against Ohio State, where they similarly struggled against a physically imposing opponent.

Quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who had been a dual-threat star for Indiana all year, faced relentless pressure from the Notre Dame defense. His attempts to spark the offense were thwarted repeatedly, leaving the Hoosiers with just a field goal in the first half.

The Fighting Irish, on the other hand, executed their game plan flawlessly. Their offensive line created gaps for running backs, while Riley Leonard bounced back from his early interception to orchestrate key scoring drives. By the end of the third quarter, Notre Dame led 20-3, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Late Push by Indiana Comes Up Short

The fourth quarter saw Indiana finally find the end zone. Though their effort was valiant, their two late touchdowns made the score appear closer than the game truly was. Notre Dame’s defense had largely shut down Indiana’s offense until the final moments, and the outcome was never in doubt.

Notre Dame’s ability to dominate in the trenches proved decisive. The Hoosiers, despite their strong regular season, were unable to match the physicality and execution of the Fighting Irish. Indiana exits the playoffs with their heads held high after a successful year but will undoubtedly reflect on the challenges posed by elite opponents.

Notre Dame Looks Ahead to Georgia

With the victory, Notre Dame now turns its focus to a January 1 showdown against the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl. The game, set to take place at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, will be a test of Notre Dame’s mettle.

Georgia, though favored, faces its own challenges. The Bulldogs will be without starting quarterback Carson Beck due to injury, which could level the playing field. Notre Dame’s defense, which showed its teeth against Indiana, will aim to exploit any vulnerabilities in Georgia’s offensive game plan.

As fans eagerly await the Sugar Bowl, one thing is clear: the expanded College Football Playoff has already delivered drama, and Notre Dame is ready for the next chapter.

Key Game Stats

What’s Next for College Football Fans?

This historic playoff system will continue to unfold with more marquee matchups, offering fans an extended look at the nation’s top programs. While Indiana’s season ends in disappointment, Notre Dame’s run is alive—and they’ll need their best performance yet to take down the Bulldogs.