Notre Dame decisively defeated Indiana after the Hoosiers entered the College Football Playoffs with the nation’s top-ranked scoring offense. The Fighting Irish set the tone early, keeping Indiana out of the end zone until the final 1:27 and securing a 27-17 victory on Friday night. With the win, Notre Dame (12-1) advanced to the quarterfinals to face Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
Indiana (11-2) came into the game averaging 43.3 points per game, ranking second in the nation for scoring. However, the Hoosiers were limited to just 278 total yards, with 126 of those coming in the last two drives, after Notre Dame had already established a 27-3 lead. Indiana, which typically averages 438.8 yards per game, was held to just 63 rushing yards, well below their usual average of 173.6.
“We knew we had to control the perimeter,” said Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman. “They rely on perimeter running with stretch plays and screens. Our plan was to attack, defeat blocks at all three levels, and be aggressive in our approach.”
“We adopted an aggressive mindset and called the game with that approach. They played aggressively as well. It was great to see our defense perform well for most of the game,” said the coach.
Notre Dame’s aggressive defense was evident right from Indiana’s first possession. On the Hoosiers’ opening play, running back Justice Ellison was hit for a 3-yard loss by defensive end Joshua Burnham, leading to a quick three-and-out.
After Notre Dame threw an interception on their next possession, Xavier Watts made a crucial interception in the end zone, saving the team. This set up a 98-yard touchdown run by Jeremiyah Love on the very next play.
Indiana’s offensive coordinator, Mike Shanahan, praised Notre Dame’s defensive line for disrupting the Hoosiers’ offense. “They’re a solid unit,” Shanahan said. “They’re just a really good defense.
They made some front-line movements and blitzed one or two linebackers frequently throughout the game.”
By the end of the game, Notre Dame had recorded 10 tackles for loss, including three quarterback sacks.
