On Friday night, Notre Dame added another chapter to its storied history, winning the first game of the 12-team playoff era. In front of a sold-out crowd at Notre Dame Stadium, the Irish dominated Indiana 27-17. Although the score suggests a close game, it’s a bit misleading. The Irish had a 27-3 lead going into the finale minute and a half. Indiana scored two touchdowns in garbage time to make the score look better.
This is also Notre Dame’s first victory in the playoff era. Going back to the four-team era, the Irish were 0-2 in playoff games. Not only that but they were not competitive in the games against Clemson and Alabama. They lost by a combined score of 61-17 in those two games. However, it was a different Irish team this time around. They scored more points in tonight’s game than in their previous two appearances.
This win has inspired a lot of optimism in the Irish fanbase. Although there are questions about if Indiana deserved to make the playoffs, that shouldn’t take away from the way Notre Dame played. They proved that they’re good enough to keep up with the best teams. That they have a legitimate shot to go on a deep run in this year’s playoffs. Here are the major takeaways.
Jordan Faison Leads Notre Dame Passing Attack
Although Notre Dame’s rushing attack has been the backbone of this Irish offense, and was a key contributor to the win. The question of how good the Irish passing game was questioned. It wasn’t just whether or not Riley Leonard could step up. But if the Irish had a receiver that could be the main target in this offense. Someone that’ll be the wide receiver number one.
The Irish might have found that Friday night when sophomore Jordan Faison had a career game. He had seven receptions for 89 yards, with his longest reception going for 44 yards. This performance comes after Faison only caught 16 passes all season. If Faison can continue performances like this, it will make the Irish offense more dynamic. They don’t have to rely solely on the running game to win games. They can have a more balanced approach that keeps opposing defenses guessing.
Faison’s breakout also is good for the future of the program. A young inexperienced quarterback will likely be starting next season. Someone they’re going to have to develop during the season. Having a wide receiver number one will help a lot in their development. It gives whoever Notre Dame puts at quarterback a receiver they can trust and look to in every passing play.
Notre Dame’s Defense Steps Up
Notre Dame’s defense was expected to face a real challenge going up against Indiana’s offense. Indiana had one of the best offensive in the country this season. They were second in the nation in points per game, averaging 41.3. They also talked about how Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke rarely made a mistake this season. It seemed like it was going to be a true test of how good Notre Dame’s defense was.
However, Notre Dame’s performance cemented it as one of the best defense in the country. Sure this was something a lot of people already believed, however when you hold the second best scoring offense in the country to three points through majority of the game it gains you even more respect. It solitfies the claims of being one of the best defenses in the country.
If Notre Dame defense can repeat their performance, their path to the championship got a lot easier. Elite play like this will shut down any offense they face. Thus allowing the offense to play their style of football, and not have to worry about playing catch-up.
Brian Germinaro is a sportswriter for Belly Up Sports. Follow him on Twitter/X for more sports coverage and Belly Up Sports for even more college football content. Feature image credit: Icon Sportswire.
