Notre Dame players and coaches united on the field late Friday, singing their alma mater for the final time at home in 2024. The team’s historic win came as the Fighting Irish defeated No. 10 Indiana 27-17, capping off a familiar formula of stifling defense, big-play runs, and relentless physicality.
Coach Marcus Freeman expressed his pride, stating that Notre Dame had become the first program to win a CFP game on campus. “I’ve never been part of an environment like that,” he said. The team’s historic moment marked a milestone in the storied program’s history.
Defensive coordinator Al Golden praised the team’s defense, saying they were well-prepared and absorbed the weight of their legacy. Safety Xavier Watts led the charge with 10 tackles, while quarterback Riley Leonard rebounded from an interception to complete 23 passes for 201 yards.
The win marked a turning point in Notre Dame’s season, but came at a cost as starting defensive tackle Rylie Mills sustained a knee injury during the game. Coach Freeman expressed optimism about Mills’ recovery, stating that he is hopeful of returning to action soon.
Notre Dame will face Georgia in the CFP quarterfinals at the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 1, marking their first major bowl game win since 1994. Leonard’s final game at Notre Dame Stadium showcased his growth and dedication to the team, as he said, “This is special for us. We’re just staying alive.”
Source: https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/43085405/notre-dame-beats-indiana-first-game-expanded-cfp