Notre Dame (12-1) advanced in the College Football Playoffs with a 27-17 win over Indiana Friday night at Notre Dame Stadium.
It was the first college football playoff game, and the first game played at Notre Dame Stadium in December.
The Irish, ranked seventh, met 10-ranked Indiana for the first time since the 1991 season.
After the victory in the post=-game press conference Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman emphasized the importance of savoring the moment after the Irish secured a historic playoff win at home. The victory showcased Freeman’s hallmark approach—physical, aggressive, and resilient under pressure.
Running back Jeremiyah Love set the tone early with a 98-yard touchdown run, a stunning display of speed and determination. Love, playing through injury, delivered when it mattered most. Defensively, safety Xavier Watts stepped up with a crucial interception that shifted momentum following an early Irish turnover.
Coach Freeman praised the team’s complementary performance, highlighting how each unit supported the other. When the offense faltered, the defense stood tall; when mistakes happened, special teams delivered key plays, including field goals from Mitch Jeter. Freeman lauded this balanced approach as a core component of the program’s culture.
While proud of the effort, Freeman acknowledged areas for improvement, pointing to late-game defensive lapses and special-teams execution. He commended players like Howard Cross for setting the tone in the trenches and celebrated Jordan Faison’s dynamic kickoff-reverse as an example of the physicality and creativity the Irish pride themselves on.
With the Sugar Bowl up next, Freeman encouraged his team to relish this milestone while preparing for the challenges ahead. As the Irish pursue a record-setting 13th win, the focus remains on finishing the season strong and adding another chapter to Notre Dame’s storied legacy.
Notre Dame meets second-ranked Georgia (11-2) in the 91st Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on New Year’s Day at 8:45 p.m. ET.