The College Football Playoff era kicked off with a bang on Friday night as Notre Dame dominated Indiana 27-17 in the first ever CFP game played on a campus site. The #7 seed Fighting Irish used a record-tying 98-yard touchdown run from star running back Jeremiyah Love to overwhelm the #10 Hoosiers and advance to the quarterfinals.
Love’s Historic Dash Sparks Irish
With Notre Dame clinging to a 13-10 lead late in the third quarter, Love delivered the play of the game. Taking a handoff at his own 2-yard line, the sophomore phenom burst through a crease and outraced the Indiana defense for a 98-yard touchdown that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The electrifying run tied the Notre Dame record originally set by Bob Livingstone in 1947.
Once I got to the second level and saw daylight, I just hit the jets and didn’t look back. It was an unbelievable feeling to make a play like that for my team in such a huge moment.
Jeremiyah Love on his 98-yard touchdown
Love finished with 221 yards rushing and two scores to power a Notre Dame ground attack that wore down the Hoosiers. Quarterback Riley Leonard added 85 yards and a touchdown on the ground to go with an efficient 12-of-16 passing for 145 yards through the air.
Freeman’s Irish Defense Stifles High-Powered Hoosiers
On the other side of the ball, Marcus Freeman’s defense turned in a dominant performance to shut down the usually prolific Indiana offense. The Irish held the Hoosiers, who came in averaging over 40 points per game, to a season-low 17 points and just 311 total yards. Linebacker Jasay Ademilola led the charge with 11 tackles and a sack.
- Notre Dame outrushed Indiana 331-124
- The Irish defense forced two turnovers and five 3-and-outs
Hoosiers Magical Run Ends
For Indiana, the loss brings an end to a Cinderella season that saw the Hoosiers set a school record with 11 wins and reach the CFP for the first time. Dual-threat QB Jamar Johnson finished 19-of-31 for 187 yards with a TD and an interception in his final collegiate game. While disappointed, head coach Scott Satterfield expressed immense pride in his team’s accomplishments.
This senior class changed the trajectory of this program. They put Indiana football on the national map and gave Hoosier Nation memories that will last a lifetime. I couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve built here.
Indiana Head Coach Scott Satterfield
Irish Earn Date With Defending Champs
The win advances Notre Dame to the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day, where they will face the daunting task of taking on defending national champion Georgia. It will be the first ever meeting between the two storied programs. But after an impressive all-around showing in the CFP opener, Freeman’s Irish squad will head to New Orleans with plenty of momentum and confidence.
We’re not done yet. This team still has a lot left to prove and we’re excited for the opportunity to do it on the big stage against the best of the best. It’s what you dream of as a competitor.
Notre Dame Coach Marcus Freeman
