Notre Dame protects home field in new postseason era with 1st playoff win, 27-17 over Indiana Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) pumps his fist while leaving the field after the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff against Indiana, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Notre Dame wide receiver Jayden Thomas (83) reaches for yardage after a catch as Indiana linebacker Jailin Walker (2) defends during the second half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman watches against Indiana during the second half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana defensive back D'Angelo Ponds (5) celebrates his interception of a Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard pass during the first half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Notre Dame players celebrate after beating Indiana 27-17 in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (3) catches a 23-yard touchdown pass as Notre Dame cornerback Christian Gray (29) defends during the second half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt (13) pulls in 28-yard reception as Notre Dame cornerback Christian Gray (29) defends during the first half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti watches against Notre Dame during the first half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) runs for a one-yard touchdown against Indiana for a during the second half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) runs the ball against Indiana during the first half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) celebrates his one-yard touchdown run with Jordan Faison (6) against Indiana during the second half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Notre Dame wide receiver Jayden Thomas (83) catches a five-yard touchdown reception against Indiana during the first half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Indiana wide receiver Myles Price (4) tries to outrun Notre Dame safety Jordan Clark (1) safety Xavier Watts (0) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Notre Dame running back Dylan Devezin (25) is tackled by Indiana defensive back Amare Ferrell (25) during the second half in the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
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Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) pumps his fist while leaving the field after the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff against Indiana, Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)