Notre Dame Kicks Off Expanded CFP Era with Victory Over Indiana
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Notre Dame has kicked off the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) era with a significant victory. The Fighting Irish defeated Indiana 27-17 in the first round of the CFP, hosted at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend. This win marks their entry into the quarterfinals, where they will face Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2025.The game was characterized by Notre Dame's strong defensive performance and efficient play by quarterback Riley Leonard, who led the team to its first playoff win in the new format. The Irish dominated the game, with Indiana managing to score two touchdowns in the final minutes, making the final score appear closer than the game actually was.Notre Dame's victory was celebrated as a historic moment, given the significance of the expanded playoff and the fact that it was the first time a CFP game was played on campus. The snowy conditions in South Bend added to the atmosphere, with fans braving the cold to support their team.Indiana, on the other hand, faced some criticism for their performance, with analysts like Kirk Herbstreit pointing out the need for a stronger schedule to prepare for such high-stakes games. Despite the loss, Indiana players and coaches expressed pride in their season and the progress they have made under head coach Curt Cignetti.Overall, Notre Dame's victory has set the stage for an exciting quarterfinal matchup against Georgia, where they will aim to continue their playoff run.