Notre Dame advanced to the Sugar Bowl with a convincing 27-17 victory over No. 10 Indiana, capping off an impressive first game of the 12-team College Football Playoff. The Fighting Irish defense set the tone, holding the Hoosiers’ high-powered offense to just 17 points and 278 yards of offense.
Jeremiyah Love’s 98-yard touchdown run was a highlight of the night, but it was Notre Dame’s strong defensive performance that proved decisive. Quarterback Riley Leonard went 22-for-32 with 201 yards and one touchdown, but the Irish defense did most of the work, stifling Indiana’s usually potent offense.
Notre Dame’s defense dominated, holding Indiana to its second-lowest scoring output of the season. The Irish were led by defensive coordinator Al Golden’s game plan, which turned up pressure on Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke and overwhelmed the Hoosiers’ offensive line.
The win puts Notre Dame in position to make a deep playoff run, but they will face their toughest challenge yet against No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Bulldogs have a strong defense that excels at stopping the run, but may struggle with dual-threat quarterbacks like Riley Leonard.
Notre Dame’s success this season has been built on its dominant defense, and it will be put to the test against Georgia. But for now, the Fighting Irish can celebrate their impressive playoff opener victory.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6010457/2024/12/20/notre-dame-indiana-college-football-playoff