Notre Dame's Big Night: A Playoff Victory and a Record-Breaking Run

Notre Dame's football team made history on Friday night, beating Indiana 27-17 in the first round of the new 12-team College Football Playoff. The Fighting Irish, who are now 12-1 and on an 11-game winning streak, secured their first playoff win. Coach Marcus Freeman has now won 12 games against ranked teams in his three-year career. The game's highlight came early, with running back Jeremiyah Love tying the Notre Dame record with a 98-yard touchdown run. This impressive run was the longest in College Football Playoff history. Despite reinjuring his knee later in the game, Love still finished with 108 rushing yards.

Quarterback Riley Leonard also had a strong performance, contributing two more touchdowns and setting a new Notre Dame season record for a quarterback with 15 total. Notre Dame's defense was crucial, keeping Indiana's scoring to a minimum and allowing just one field goal. Indiana, the highest-scoring team in the playoff, struggled against Notre Dame's defense. They scored both of their touchdowns in the final 1:27, making it too little too late. Indiana's coach, Curt Cignetti, acknowledged Notre Dame's superior play. The victory sets up Notre Dame for a match against second-seeded Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on January 1.

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