Notre Dame Defeats Indiana 27-17 in Playoff

Indiana football's remarkable season came to an abrupt end with a 27-17 loss to Notre Dame in the first round of the College Football Playoff, marking a disappointing conclusion to their 11-2 record under first-year coach Curt Cignetti. Despite a strong start to the season, Indiana struggled to match Notre Dame's depth and strength, trailing significantly before scoring two late touchdowns. Cignetti acknowledged the gap in talent and depth between the teams, emphasizing the need for improvement in execution and discipline. Players from Indiana expressed optimism about the future, highlighting the foundation they've built this season and their determination to return to the playoffs next year. The loss serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced at a higher competitive level, as Indiana's offense faltered against a solid Notre Dame defense. As they reflect on the season, the Hoosiers remain hopeful about their growth and potential moving forward.