Notre Dame-Indiana’s wild start just got wilder.

Actually, Wilder might be an understatement.

After Watts’ interception, running back Jeremiyah Love took advantage of the opportunity in the best possible way, breaking away down the left sideline and winning the race for a 98-yard rushing touchdown on the first play of the drive. The Fighting Irish take a 7-0 lead.

It’s the longest streak since Josh Adams in 2015 against Wake Forest.

JEREMIYAH LOVE GOES 98 YARDS 🤯🔥

The 12-team CFP is officially here 🍿 pic.twitter.com/zCOZ2E0yWO

– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 21, 2024

Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke’s first interception in the red zone couldn’t have come at the worst possible time.

The Hoosiers seemed to find their rhythm just four minutes into the game when they intercepted Leonard and wide receiver Cedarius Doss with a stunning catch, bringing Indiana to Notre Dame’s 17-yard line.

Then defensive back Xavier Watts ended the party, intercepting Rourke and giving his offense the ball back at the 2-yard line. It’s Watts’ sixth interception this season.

It’s a mistake to throw near Xavier Watts

pic.twitter.com/UGlfPkABPF

— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 21, 2024

The Hoosiers’ defense answered the bell early, intercepting Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard on the Fighting Irish’s first offensive possession of the game.

Leonard’s pass was hit into the air by defensive lineman James Carpenter and intercepted by defensive back D’Angelo Pods.

It was Pods who was named to the All-Big Ten first team for his third interception of the year. Indiana takes over at Notre Dame’s 41-yard line.

Indiana with the early interception in Notre Dame territory.

pic.twitter.com/EslvKEfnC7

— Jasey Smith (@tennis4life13) December 21, 2024

One of college football’s most historic nights is here.

In the College Football Playoff’s first-ever 12-team tournament, Notre Dame and Indiana open the CFP with more than just state bragging rights at stake. The two teams are fighting for a place in the second round of the CFP and a duel with second-place Georgia.

Just 200 miles apart, the Hoosiers enter the contest having arguably their best season in school history. The Fighting Irish are hoping to turn things around in the CFP, which is currently 0-2. It will be the first meeting between Indiana and Notre Dame since 1991.

What better way to open the 12-team College Football Playoff than a snow game?

South Bend, Indiana and Notre Dame Stadium were full of snow this morning – an environment where the tournament has never been played before.

Although snowfall has eased throughout the day and is not forecast for game time, weather below 25 degrees and cold and windy conditions are expected.

7 a.m. in South Bend. Cars were already lined up, waiting to get onto campus. a light snowfall.

Happy CFP Friday to everyone watching. pic.twitter.com/XdceIDqmPG

— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) December 20, 2024

No. 7 Notre Dame hosts No. 10 Indiana tonight in the first game of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. The game will be played on Friday, December 20th at Notre Dame Stadium.

• WHEN: 8 p.m. ET on Friday, December 20th
• TV: ABC/ESPN
• STREAMING: See ESPN

The first game of the 12-team playoffs is an in-state rivalry between two 11-1 teams as No. 7 Notre Dame hosts No. 10 Indiana on Friday, Dec. 20 at Notre Dame Stadium.

Notre Dame enters the playoffs on a 10-game winning streak, including big wins over Army and Southern Cal in the last two games in which the Irish combined for 98 points. Quarterback Riley Leonard has thrown just eight incompletions in the last two games as ND emphasizes running the football. Running back Jerimiyah Love leads the nation with 15 rushing touchdowns this season.

Amid the best season in program history, Indiana is trying to maintain the magic behind first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. Transfer quarterback Kurtis Rourke has led the Indiana football revolution, finishing in the top 10 in completion percentage and passing touchdowns. Indiana ranks second in the nation in offense after scoring a season-high 66 points in its last game.

The final College Football Playoff rankings of the season form the basis for the 2024 College Football Playoff. Here are the complete top 25:

The winner of Notre Dame and Indiana will face No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1, 2025.

Since the College Football Playoff’s inception in 2014, seven teams have won a national championship. Michigan won the last version of the four-team playoffs in 2023.

Here is every College Football Playoff champion: