In a historic moment for college football, Notre Dame secured the first-ever home victory in the College Football Playoff, defeating Indiana 27-17 in the opening round of the expanded 12-team playoff.

The Fighting Irish took an early commanding lead, highlighted by Jeremiyah Love's electrifying 98-yard touchdown run. A subsequent touchdown pass from Riley Leonard to Jayden Thomas extended Notre Dame's advantage to 14-0. Indiana managed a field goal, but Notre Dame promptly responded with a field goal of their own.

Jeremiyah Love celebrates his touchdown during the first half of the game against Indiana in the College Football Playoff's first round. (IMAGN)

Indiana's offensive struggles continued after halftime, punting on their first three possessions of the second half. While Leonard eventually rushed for a touchdown to bring the score to 27-3, Indiana mounted a late comeback with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Their attempt at a two-point conversion to make it a one-possession game with 25 seconds remaining was unsuccessful, sealing the victory for Notre Dame.

Fans of both teams during the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. (Matt Cashore-Imagn Images)

Despite a late surge and scoring 14 points in the final quarter, Indiana's efforts proved too little, too late. Leonard completed 23 of 32 passes for 201 yards, while Jordan Faison led the Irish in receiving with seven catches for 89 yards.

Jeremiyah Love's 98-yard touchdown run against Indiana. (IMAGN)

With this victory, Notre Dame advances to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on New Year's Day, where they will face Georgia.