Clash for Indiana: Notre Dame vs. Indiana University
The College Football Playoff. Twelve teams. One champion. The first game is set in South Bend, Indiana, where Notre Dame’s field creates the perfect backdrop for an intense in-state battle. Curt Cignetti’s resilient Indiana squad enters at a school record 11-1, determined to prove they belong on college football's grandest stage. Can the Hoosiers rise to the occasion, or will the pressure reveal cracks in the armor? On the other side, Notre Dame has been on a mission with Marcus Freeman leading the charge. After an early-season stumble against Northern Illinois, the Fighting Irish have stormed through their schedule, also finishing 11-1. However, for now, they face the age-old question: can this Notre Dame team breakthrough, silence their doubters, and finally deliver in the postseason? A season’s worth of work comes down to this moment. When the game ends, one will rise, and one will fall. Let's begin!
First Quarter
The kick is underway, and Indiana opts for a fair catch, starting their drive at the 25-yard line. The Hoosiers open the first quarter with a run, but it’s immediately stuffed by Notre Dame’s dominant defensive line. Two incomplete passes later, Indiana’s first drive ends with a quick three-and-out. Notre Dame takes over at their 41-yard line. The Irish attempt to establish the run early with Jeremiyah Love, but the Hoosiers' defensive front stands strong. On the very next play, Indiana defensive lineman James Carpenter tips a pass from Notre Dame’s quarterback Riley Leonard to D'Angelo Ponds, leading to the first interception of the game. The Hoosiers' defense, stellar all season, hasn’t disappointed early.
Taking advantage of the turnover, Indiana begins to march downfield. However, disaster strikes when a pass from Indiana’s quarterback Kurtis Rourke is intercepted by Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts in a spectacular play. After the interception, the Irish find themselves backed up deep in their own territory, starting at the two-yard line. On the first snap, Jeremiyah Love finds a seam, explodes past defenders, and races 98 yards to the end zone. This ties the longest run in program history. It’s a statement run and the first touchdown of the College Football Playoff. Love electrifies the crowd and gives Notre Dame the early lead. Indiana gets the ball back and starts to march down the field once again. Ty Son Lawton starts to establish himself with a 27-yard-run to push Indiana to Notre Dame’s half, however, their momentum stalls, and they go three-and-out shortly after. A series of strong runs by Jadarian Price drives the Irish down to Indiana's 17-yard line as the quarter comes to a close. Notre Dame caps off the first quarter with a 7-0 lead, showcasing their momentum.
Second Quarter
Shortly into the second quarter, Notre Dame keeps their foot on the gas, capping off their drive with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jayden Thomas. Indiana gets the ball back and begins to build some momentum, but Notre Dame’s defense stands strong, forcing another punt from the Hoosiers. Notre Dame continues to look strong this quarter, with Riley Leonard appearing comfortable in the pocket and delivering precise throws. After a series of unsuccessful runs and an incomplete pass, Notre Dame gives the ball right back midway through the second quarter.
Indiana slowly starts to move down the field once again. Indiana gets a break from the officials as a holding penalty on Notre Dame propels them 10 yards forward and grants them a first down. Deep in Notre Dame's territory at the 16-yard line, Indiana faces a fourth-and-four and opts to kick the field goal. The kick is good, putting the Hoosiers on the board with a score of 14-3. As the half winds down, Notre Dame appears to have lost their rhythm, but they manage to convert a crucial third down with just under two minutes remaining on the clock. Riley Leonard showcases his athleticism with a pair of brilliant quarterback runs, bringing Notre Dame close to midfield. Bringing the half to an end Mitch Jeter hits a 49-yard field goal for Notre Dame. At halftime, Notre Dame leads Indiana 17-3.
First-Half Key Contributors
For Notre Dame are Riley Leonard, Jeremiyah Love, and Jordan Faison shine. Leonard is 11-of-17 passing for 87 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Love leads the ground game with four carries for 91 yards and a touchdown, including his explosive 98-yard run. Faison tops the receiving corps with three receptions for 26 yards. Wide receiver Jayden Thomas also stands out, contributing one touchdown reception to Notre Dame's first-half performance.
For Indiana, Kurtis Rourke, Ty Son Lawton, and Elijah Sarratt stand out. Rourke is six-of-13 passing for 77 yards, with one interception. Lawton leads the rushing attack with seven carries for 28 yards. Sarratt shines in the receiving game with two receptions for an impressive 43 yards.
Third Quarter
Notre Dame kicks off the third quarter in electrifying fashion! A kickoff reverse to Jordan Faison sets the tone, as he breaks loose for a thrilling 44-yard return. The Irish start the half with excellent field position at Indiana's 47-yard line. Notre Dame goes three-and-out after a missed catch by wide receiver Beaux Collins on what would have been a first down.
Notre Dame opens the second half on defense with a bang, recording their first sack of the night on Indiana’s very first play. After the first play, defensive lineman and team captain Rylie Mills goes down with an injury. This is a significant blow for the Irish, and the team will hope for Mills' return later in the game. Notre Dame's Bryce Young steps up on third down, recording another sack for the Irish and continuing to make his presence felt on defense. Indiana is forced to punt, giving the ball right back to Notre Dame.
The Irish begin their second drive with excellent field position at Indiana's 42-yard line. Notre Dame starts their drive with a series of strong plays, picking up two first downs and pushing deeper into Hoosier territory. James Carpenter puts a stop to Notre Dame’s momentum with Indiana’s first sack of the game, delivering a crucial defensive play. Notre Dame catches a huge break as a late hit out of bounds on Riley Leonard draws a personal foul penalty. The hit, delivered by James Carpenter, gives the Irish a critical boost in field position. The Irish are now at the 12-yard line and run a jet sweep to Jayden Thomas, who takes it down to the four-yard line, setting up a prime scoring opportunity. After a couple of missteps by Notre Dame, they settle for a field goal to extend their lead to 20-3.
With under three minutes left in the third quarter, Indiana faces a crucial third down. Rourke’s pass falls incomplete, forcing the Hoosiers to bring out the punt team once again. Notre Dame calls a fair catch and begins their drive in their own territory. Jeremiyah Love takes charge with a pair of impressive runs, including a powerful stiff arm, pushing the Irish into Indiana’s territory at the 35-yard line. The third quarter comes to a close with Notre Dame maintaining their lead, 20-3.
Fourth Quarter
Notre Dame opens the fourth quarter with a designed run for Riley Leonard, who picks up a solid gain to set up a manageable third down. Notre Dame picks up the third down with a pinpoint throw from Leonard. Notre Dame struggles to move the chains and decides to settle for a field goal attempt. The kick is blocked by James Carpenter, delivering a huge momentum shift for Indiana!
Indiana starts their drive strong with a couple of plays that pick up solid yardage. However, Rourke's attempt at a deep shot is swatted away by the Irish defenders, halting their momentum. Notre Dame's defense steps up, forcing Indiana into a challenging fourth-and-11 situation. Indiana is forced to punt once again, giving the ball back to Notre Dame.
Notre Dame steadily moves down the field, running out the clock to secure their victory. Leonard launches a deep pass, connecting with Jordan Faison for a spectacular 44-yard gain, bringing Notre Dame to the one-yard line. Riley Leonard fakes the handoff perfectly, keeping the ball himself and sprinting into the end zone untouched making the score 27-3. This marks his 15th rushing touchdown of the season, setting a new single-season school record for a quarterback.
Notre Dame kicks off to Indiana, but tensions flare as the Hoosiers are flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after shoving a Notre Dame player who was out of bounds. Indiana is desperately trying to build momentum, but with only four minutes left in the game, it seems too late to mount a comeback. Indiana finally finds the end zone with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Myles Price, putting points on the board late in the game. Indiana goes for the two-point conversion and successfully converts, making the score 27-13. Indiana attempts an onside kick, and it’s successful, giving them a glimmer of hope late in the game!
Indiana starts their drive at midfield with very little time left, but Rourke is quickly brought down for a sack, stalling their momentum. Indiana finally caught a break with a touchdown pass to Omar Cooper Jr. making the score 27-17. However, their momentum was short-lived as they failed the two-point conversion. Indiana attempts another onside kick, but this time they fail to recover. Notre Dame secures the win.
Final Game Key Contributors
For Notre Dame, it’s Riley Leonard who stood out. After starting the game with an interception, he bounced back impressively, completing 23-of-32 passes for 201 yards, with one passing touchdown, one rushing touchdown, and one interception. Jeremiyah Love finished the game with eight carries for 108 yards and one touchdown, showcasing his explosiveness on the ground. Jordan Faison had an outstanding night, finishing with seven receptions for 89 yards, and making key plays throughout the game.
For Indiana, Kurtis Rourke put in a solid effort, completing 20-of-33 passes for 215 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Justice Ellison finished the game with 11 carries for 37 yards, battling against a tough Notre Dame defense. Elijah Sarrat led the receivers with four catches for 67 yards.
Next Steps
Notre Dame’s dominant performance has secured their spot in the next round of the College Football Playoff. This time, the luck of the Irish held up. They showcased their resilience and skill, overcoming challenges on both sides of the ball to emerge victorious. With their sights now set on the ultimate prize, Notre Dame advances to face Georgia in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 1st.
