Notre Dame dominates Indiana in College Football Playoff opener

Notre Dame secured a decisive victory over Indiana, defeating the Hoosiers 27-17 in the opening game of the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff on Friday night in South Bend, Indiana.

Notre Dame secured a decisive victory over Indiana, defeating the Hoosiers 27-17 in the opening game of the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff on Friday night in South Bend, Indiana. Playing against each other for the first time since 1991, Friday night’s game kicked off after the South Bend area received around two inches of snow earlier in the day, setting up for a chilly affair. The game started on a chaotic note, with both teams throwing interceptions on their opening drives. However, the No. 7 seed Fighting Irish quickly regained their footing, taking control with a record-setting play early in the first quarter. Pinned at their own two-yard line, sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love ignited the crowd at Notre Dame Stadium with an electric 98-yard touchdown run. Taking the handoff in the end zone, Love broke through the left side and sprinted past the secondary, giving Notre Dame a 7-0 lead and setting the tone early. The spectacular run was the longest in College Football Playoff history and tied the record for the longest overall run in the school’s storied history. Love finished the game with eight carries, 108 rushing yards and a touchdown.