Notre Dame Triumphs Over Indiana in Historic CFP Opener
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Notre Dame secured a 27-17 victory over Indiana in the first round of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff on December 20, 2024. This game was historic as it marked the first College Football Playoff game played on Notre Dame's campus, taking place at Notre Dame Stadium.The game began with a significant play from Notre Dame's star running back, Jeremiyah Love, who scored on a 98-yard touchdown run, setting a College Football Playoff record for the longest play. This run also tied the longest in Notre Dame's history. The Fighting Irish quickly built a 14-0 lead with a 16-play, 83-yard drive capped by a Riley Leonard pass to Jayden Thomas.Notre Dame's defense was dominant throughout the game, holding Indiana's high-scoring offense out of the end zone for most of the contest. The Hoosiers finally scored their first touchdown with less than 90 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Despite Indiana's late rally, they were unable to overcome the 27-3 deficit they faced earlier in the game.Riley Leonard, who had a challenging first pass attempt that resulted in an interception, finished the game with 20 completions for 215 yards and two touchdowns. Leonard's performance, along with the contributions of other offensive players like Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, helped Notre Dame maintain control of the game.The victory was not without its challenges, as Notre Dame faced injuries, including a significant one to starting defensive tackle Rylie Mills. However, there is optimism that Mills will recover in time for the next game.
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Notre Dame's win advanced them to the quarterfinals, where they will face No. 2 seed Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2025.