The first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff is now underway with the first game in the books. The Indiana Hoosiers took on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on what was a cold night in South Bend.
Notre Dame came away with the win, advancing to the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff. The final score came in as 27-17, with Indiana scoring their two touchdowns at the very end of the game.
The game was nowhere near as close as the final score indicated as the Hoosiers made a last-second comeback attempt.
Due to Notre Dame being the higher-ranked seed in the bracket, they hosted this game. The crowd was rowdy from the jump and made the first life for the Hoosiers difficult.
Indiana looked out of sorts and quickly punted the ball away to the Fighting Irish offense. However, the Indiana defense swiftly got the ball back on an interception from Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard.
Just when it seemed that the Hoosiers could take control early on, quarterback Kurtis Rourke was picked off close to the endzone. Then, on the very next play, the Fighting Irish would strike to open the scoring.
Running back Jeremiyah Love burst through the Hoosiers’ defense for an explosive 98-yard touchdown.
At the end of the first quarter, Notre Dame led 7-0 over the Hoosiers. Notre Dame had 131 rushing yards in the first quarter.
Indiana came into the game allowing just 70 yards on the ground throughout the season. The most Indiana had allowed in a full game was 137 against Charlotte.
At the end of the second quarter, Notre Dame had extended their lead. Indiana trailed Notre Dame by a score of 17-3 in an utterly dominant first half from the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame led 20-3 heading into the final quarter.
Indiana entered this game with a record of 11-1 on the season, with the only loss coming at the hands of Ohio State. Once again, the Hoosiers struggled to match the physicality of the Fighting Irish, a similar trend to what happened against the Buckeyes.
During the season, Rourke showed the ability to make plays with both his arm and legs throughout the season, helping Indiana become an explosive offensive attack. However, the Fighting Irish defense caused massive problems for the signal-caller and the Hoosiers could never get off the ground.
They end their season in a tough manner but go out after a very successful year.
As for Notre Dame, they now have a date with the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl. The game will take place on Jan. 1, 2025, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Georgia will be the favorite entering the game but the Fighting Irish defense could make things interesting. The Bulldogs battled all season but they will be without starting quarterback Carson Beck, who is out with an injury.
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