Notre Dame Makes History with 27-17 Victory Over Indiana in College Football Playoff 12-20-2024
The University of Notre Dame (12-1) etched its name into college football history by becoming the first program to win a College Football Playoff game on its home field, defeating Indiana (11-2) 27-17 at Notre Dame Stadium on Friday evening. The Fighting Irish dominated the game, holding Indiana to just three points in the first half and limiting the Hoosiers to 63 rushing yards. Notre Dame built a commanding 27-3 lead before Indiana added two late touchdowns in garbage time.
Two key plays defined the Irish’s victory. Senior Consensus All-American safety Xavier Watts intercepted a pass at the Irish two-yard line, halting an Indiana scoring threat. On the next play, running back Jeremiyah Love broke free for a stunning 98-yard touchdown run, electrifying the home crowd and seizing momentum for Notre Dame.
Quarterback Riley Leonard delivered a composed performance, completing 22-of-32 passes for 201 yards and contributing one passing touchdown and one rushing score. Wide receiver Jordan Faison was his favorite target, hauling in seven receptions for 89 yards.
With the victory, Notre Dame advances to face No. 2 seed Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2025, in New Orleans.
Game Recap
The game began with a flurry of action. Notre Dame’s defense forced a three-and-out on Indiana’s opening drive, but the Hoosiers quickly regained momentum with an interception off a deflected pass at the Irish 48-yard line. Indiana drove into the red zone, but quarterback Kurtis Rourke overthrew his target, and Xavier Watts intercepted his 13th career pass at the two-yard line.
On the very next play, Jeremiyah Love raced 98 yards through the left side of the line, outrunning the entire Indiana defense for a touchdown, putting the Irish up 7-0.
After forcing another Indiana punt, Notre Dame orchestrated a methodical 16-play drive, the longest in College Football Playoff history. Key conversions included a third-down catch by Beaux Collins and a six-yard run by freshman back Aneyas Williams. Riley Leonard capped the drive with a play-action pass to Jayden Thomas for a seven-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 14-0.
Indiana managed a 34-yard field goal late in the first half, aided by two big plays and a defensive holding call. Notre Dame responded with a drive of its own, highlighted by a diving catch from Faison and a series of scrambles by Leonard. Mitch Jeter’s 49-yard field goal as time expired gave the Irish a 17-3 halftime lead.
Second Half Highlights
Notre Dame’s special teams provided a spark to open the second half. Jayden Harrison lateralled to Faison, who returned the ball 48 yards to set the Irish up near midfield. However, the offense stalled, and Notre Dame punted.
The defense stepped up again with Rylie Mills and freshman Bryce Young combining for back-to-back sacks to pin Indiana deep. A short punt gave the Irish great field position at the Hoosiers’ 43-yard line, leading to a 33-yard Jeter field goal and a 20-3 lead.
Indiana blocked Jeter’s next field goal attempt, returning it to the 40-yard line, but the Irish defense held firm. Young and linebacker Drayk Bowen delivered consistent pressure, forcing another Indiana punt.
Notre Dame then delivered the game-sealing drive. Leonard connected with Faison for a big gain to the one-foot line, and one play later, Leonard walked into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 27-3.
Late Scoring by Indiana
Indiana managed two late touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a long pass play and a short quarterback run, but it was too little, too late. The Irish defense and special teams had already secured the victory and the right to advance.
With a 27-17 final score, Notre Dame celebrated a landmark achievement in college football: the first College Football Playoff win on a campus site. The stage is now set for an epic showdown against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
