The Fighting Irish made history as the first team to win a home College Football Playoff game, defeating Indiana 27-17 in the opening round of the new 12-team playoff.
Notre Dame delivered a decisive blow early, with Jeremiyah Love breaking free for a stunning 98-yard touchdown run. On the following drive, quarterback Riley Leonard connected with Jayden Thomas for another score, putting the Irish up 14-0. Indiana managed only a field goal in response, which Notre Dame quickly matched to maintain control.
Indiana’s offense struggled mightily after halftime, punting on all their third-quarter possessions and their first drive of the fourth. Leonard extended Notre Dame’s lead with a rushing touchdown, making it 27-3. While the Hoosiers managed two late touchdowns, including a failed two-point conversion attempt in the final seconds, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Irish.
Leonard finished the game completing 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards, with Jordan Faison leading the Irish receivers with seven catches for 89 yards. Despite Indiana’s 14-point surge in the fourth quarter, Notre Dame’s early dominance sealed the victory.
The remaining three first-round playoff games are scheduled for Saturday.
