With a jaw-dropping start that set the tone for the game, Jeremiyah Love of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish made a spectacular 98-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. This remarkable play not only electrified the crowd but also broke the previous playoff record for the longest carry. It became evident that the Irish had the ability to effectively run the ball against Indiana’s defense. The Hoosiers, who had entered the postseason as the only team in the Bowl Subdivision to have allowed fewer than 1,000 yards on the ground, were now facing a formidable challenge.
Notre Dame’s offensive prowess was on display as they finished the game with two touchdowns while averaging an impressive 5.5 yards per carry. Love led the charge with 108 yards gained on an astonishing 13.5 yards per carry, showcasing his explosiveness and agility. Additionally, Jadarian Price and Aneyas Williams contributed a combined 56 yards on 15 carries, further highlighting the Irish’s strong ground game.
In the midst of the game, there were unsung heroes who played pivotal roles in lifting their teams to victory. The performance of these non-stars often goes unnoticed but can make a significant impact on the outcome of a game. As the playoff action unfolded, it became evident that these under-the-radar players could be the difference-makers in securing first-round wins.
Quarterback play was a key factor in determining the outcome of the game, with both Riley Leonard of Notre Dame and Kurtis Rourke of Indiana facing challenges from the opposing defenses. Leonard struggled against Indiana’s pass rush, limiting his ability to push the ball downfield. However, he managed a crucial 44-yard completion to Jordan Faison that set up Notre Dame’s final score. Leonard ultimately completed 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards with two combined touchdowns.
On the other side, Rourke of Indiana put up a valiant effort, going 20 of 33 for 215 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. The Hoosiers had entered the game with an impressive passing attack, averaging 9.7 yards per attempt and boasting an FBS-best 179.1 quarterback efficiency rating. Despite Rourke’s solid performance, Indiana fell short in the face of Notre Dame’s relentless defense.
Overall, Indiana managed to accumulate 278 total yards on 61 plays throughout the game. However, much of this yardage came when the outcome of the game had already been decided, highlighting the dominance of the Notre Dame defense in shutting down the Hoosiers’ offense.
The victory marked Notre Dame’s 11th consecutive win since a surprising loss to Northern Illinois earlier in the season. This year’s team joined a select group in the program’s history by winning 12 games, a feat achieved only by the 2018, 2012, 1989, and 1988 squads. The Fighting Irish have once again proven their resilience and determination in pursuing excellence on the football field.
