As the clock ticked down on a chilly Friday night in South Bend, Jeremiyah Love electrified the crowd with a jaw-dropping 98-yard touchdown run. After receiving the handoff from Irish quarterback Riley Leonard deep in their own end zone, Love burst through the B-gap, leaving Indiana defensive back D’Angelo Ponds in his dust. By the time he reached the 25-yard line, it was clear he had found another gear, racing across the Indiana goal line and putting Notre Dame up 7-0 with 10:57 left in the first quarter.
Love’s Impact on the Game
That stunning play set the tone for the rest of the game. Love’s touchdown opened the floodgates for the Irish, who scored on five of their next seven offensive possessions. By the time the final whistle blew, Notre Dame had secured a commanding 27-17 victory over the in-state Hoosiers. This win marked a historic moment, as it was the first-ever College Football Playoff home game held in South Bend.
Love’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He finished the night with eight carries for 108 yards, showcasing his explosive speed and agility. Notre Dame dominated the ground game, outrushing the Hoosiers 193-63 and outgaining them 394-278 in total offense. It was a true team effort, but Love’s electrifying run was the catalyst that ignited the Irish offense.
Freeman’s Praise for Love
After the game, head coach Marcus Freeman expressed his admiration for Love’s performance. “Huge. Backed up situation, we just threw an interception the drive before. I think it was 0-0 at that time, just threw an interception, we get an interception on defense and then on that first play to go 98 yards was huge,” Freeman said in his postgame press conference. “For everybody, yes our offense, but for the overall confidence of our team to go up 7-0 with that type of touchdown. We know he’s not 100 percent. We’re just going to keep getting him healthy, but he showed on that play, at whatever percent he is, once he breaks through that third level, it’s hard to catch Jeremiyah Love.”
Freeman’s enthusiasm was palpable, reflecting the excitement of a team that has now won 11 straight games and is headed to the Sugar Bowl national quarterfinal against No. 2 Georgia (11-2) on New Year’s Day. The Irish, now sitting at 12-1, are on a remarkable journey, and Love’s performance is a key part of that story.
Historic Season for Notre Dame
This victory also holds significant weight in the context of the season. Under Freeman’s leadership, the Irish have tied the single-season wins record in program history. With 12 wins, this team is just the fifth in Notre Dame history to reach that milestone. Freeman is proud of this achievement, but his eyes are set on something even greater: a national championship.
“You know, we wouldn’t be in this situation if we didn’t have 12 wins,” Freeman stated. “So, I’m grateful to be a part of a program and a team that has been able to accomplish this. But you know I’m greedy, and my focus is — although I don’t want their focus to be on it, my focus is going to be on finding a way to get 13. That’s what matters. That’s what’s going to be important is to enjoy this thing but get ready for the next opportunity.”
A Look Back at Notre Dame’s History
The last time Notre Dame reached 12 wins was in 1988 under the legendary Lou Holtz. That season ended with a national championship, a feat that has eluded the Irish since. Holtz and former coach Brian Kelly both achieved the 12-win mark twice, but now Freeman has done it for the first time, adding his name to the storied history of this prestigious program.
The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated. Notre Dame, with its 11 national championships, has always held a lofty place in college football. Yet, the path to 12 wins has been challenging, especially considering the program’s history of limited bowl game appearances and the absence of a conference championship game until recent years.
Looking Ahead
As the Irish prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Bulldogs, the excitement is palpable. Fans are eager to see if this team can not only reach new heights but also reclaim its place among the elite in college football. With players like Love leading the charge and a coaching staff that knows how to harness their potential, the possibilities are endless.
In the world of college football, every game is an opportunity for greatness, and for Notre Dame, the journey is just beginning. With a historic season underway and a chance to make even more history on the horizon, the Irish are ready to embrace the challenge. Will they rise to the occasion and secure that coveted 13th win? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the spirit of college football is alive and well in South Bend.
