The Notre Dame football team is busy preparing to take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the second round of the College Football Playoffs. However, there’s still time to look back and celebrate the best plays of Friday night’s game.
The Fighting Irish didn’t play a perfect game. There were some struggles along the way. But three plays changed the game and put the Hoosiers away, even if the final score made things look closer than they were.
Jeremiyah Love’s 98-yard rushing touchdown was a biggie. But we’ll get that one out of the way. Other plays for Notre Dame football changed the makeup of the contest and allowed the Blue and Gold to move onto the quarterfinals against the Bulldogs.
Jordan Faison’s kick return gave Notre Dame football a boost
Not every big play in the game was about scoring a touchdown. There was also momentum grabbing plays that allowed the Irish to run the clock and keep control as well. It didn’t result in a touchdown — though Jordan Faison was one missed tackle away — but a well-executed reverse on a kickoff return gave the Irish good field position.
This was one of those momentum grabbers more than anything else. It was also a demonstration of just how good a game Faison had both on special teams and as a receiver.
Mitch Jeter nails a 49-yard field goal
The Notre Dame football team has had some problems with the kicking game. Mitch Jeter has seemingly had the yips. And yet, he strode out to the field and boomed a 49-yard field goal at the end of the first half to give the Irish a 17-3 halftime lead.
Gave our all to Notre Dame ☘️#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/xHLrxwFpbT
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) December 22, 2024
Jeter's boot gave him a shot of confidence and it gave Marcus Freeman another weapon. Or at least it seems as though the team's kicking game is no longer an absolute liability
Riley Leonard's record-setting TD is game ender
The Fighting Irish quarterback set a school record on Friday when he scored his 15th rushing touchdown. But the record was secondary to what his TD accomplished.
That score put the team up 27-3 and sealed the deal for Notre Dame football. While Indiana scored some garbage time scores, that run showed that the Irish still have a real weapon in Leonard's legs and Georgia better be ready.