Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame were eager for “football weather” as they kicked off their College Football Playoff journey. They certainly got their wish, with temperatures dipping into the 20s by game time. The chilly conditions didn’t seem to faze the Fighting Irish, who came out firing on all cylinders, dominating the first half and heading into halftime with a commanding 17-3 lead on a frigid night in South Bend.
Ground Game Dominance
Notre Dame showcased a powerful ground game, racking up an impressive 155 rushing yards against Indiana, which boasted the nation’s top run defense. The highlight of the first half was undoubtedly a spectacular 98-yard touchdown run by Jeremiyah Love, igniting the Irish offense early in the game. Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish defense was equally impressive, limiting Indiana to a mere 61 rushing yards. This combination of offensive and defensive prowess is a recipe for success, especially in the harsh conditions of December football.
Freeman emphasized the importance of running the ball and stopping the run in such cold weather. “We knew this was going to be a battle,” he told ABC’s Molly McGrath. “You talk about cold, December games, you’ve got to be able to run the ball, you’ve got to stop the run. That’s something we’ve been doing pretty well. Taking care of the ball for the most part.”
Quarterback Resilience
After a rocky start that included an interception on just the second play of the game, Riley Leonard found his rhythm. He completed 11 of 17 passes for 87 yards and threw a touchdown to Jayden Thomas. This performance was crucial for the Irish, as Leonard’s ability to bounce back helped maintain the momentum. The offense was well-balanced, with 17 rushing attempts that showcased Love’s explosive speed, as he accumulated 91 yards on just four carries, while Jadarian Price added 26 yards on six attempts.
As the first half drew to a close, Notre Dame received a much-needed boost from their kicker. Mitch Jeter, who had battled injuries in recent weeks, drilled a 49-yard field goal just before halftime, extending the lead to 14 points. This moment was significant not only for the score but also for Jeter’s confidence.
Special Teams Impact
Freeman recognized the importance of Jeter’s successful kick. “It’s huge for Mitch,” he said. “He’s been a little banged up. I know he had a good few weeks in practice, so to see him make that 49-yarder was big for his confidence and for the confidence we have in him.” Special teams can often be the unsung heroes of a game, and Jeter’s performance certainly lifted the spirits of the Fighting Irish heading into the locker room.
As the second half approached, Freeman expressed his desire to see Notre Dame maintain its momentum. “We’ve got to continue to try to make an impact on special teams. This is gonna be a battle. It’s been a good fight. Looking forward to coming back for the second half,” he stated, setting the stage for what fans hoped would be a continuation of the Irish’s strong performance.
Defensive Strategy
In the second half, Freeman’s focus shifted to the defensive side of the ball. He knew that stopping Indiana’s rushing attack would be crucial to securing a victory. The Fighting Irish defense had already proven its mettle in the first half, but they would need to dig deep and stay disciplined to maintain their lead.
The cold weather can often lead to mistakes, and Freeman was aware of the importance of ball security. “Taking care of the ball for the most part,” he reiterated, emphasizing that turnovers could swing the momentum in an instant. With the stakes high in the College Football Playoff, every play counts, and maintaining possession could be the key to victory.
Looking Ahead
As the teams prepared to return for the second half, the atmosphere was electric. Fans were bundled up against the biting cold, but their spirits were high, buoyed by the Irish’s strong performance. The Fighting Irish had set the tone early, and now it was time to see if they could sustain their success.
With the ground game firing on all cylinders and a defense that had shown its ability to contain Indiana, Notre Dame appeared poised to make a deep run in the playoffs. But as any college football fan knows, anything can happen in the second half. Would the Irish maintain their dominance, or would Indiana find a way to rally back?
The excitement of college football is not just in the plays but in the stories that unfold. As the clock ticked down and the players took the field for the second half, one thing was clear: the Fighting Irish were ready for the challenge, and they were determined to make their mark in the College Football Playoff.
