The College Football Playoff has expanded to 12 teams for the first time, and the Indiana Hoosiers faced off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first game. Notre Dame emerged victorious with a final score of 27-17, despite Indiana scoring two late touchdowns.
The game was not as close as the score indicated, as the Hoosiers attempted a last-minute comeback. Notre Dame hosted the game as the higher seed, and their rowdy crowd made it tough for Indiana.
The Fighting Irish took an early lead after a 98-yard touchdown run by Jeremiyah Love. Despite Indiana’s strong defense throughout the season, Notre Dame dominated the first half, leading 17-3 at halftime.
Heading into the final quarter, Notre Dame was up 20-3. Indiana, with a record of 11-1, struggled against the physicality of Notre Dame, similar to their loss against Ohio State earlier in the season.
Notre Dame now advances to face the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 2025. Georgia is the favorite, but Notre Dame’s defense could make things interesting, especially with Georgia’s starting quarterback out with an injury.
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