College football has been a controversial topic, with complaints about the transfer portal, NIL, unfair resource gaps, and an unregulated compensation system. However, a recent on-campus playoff game in Northern Indiana was a triumph, with Notre Dame beating 10th-seeded Indiana 27-17.
The atmosphere, wintry weather, and pageantry of the game were the highlight of the event. The Irish defeated Indiana with a mix of coverages and pressures, suffocating their high-powered offense and making IU look like a group of Five guys. Notre Dame’s coach, Curt Cignetti, seemed out of his normal element, but the Irish crushed the Hoosiers’ magical run, not surrendering a touchdown until 87 seconds were left on the clock.
The Irish ended Cignetti’s stunning first season and won an 11th straight since that confounding home loss to Northern Illinois. The Irish did it all in front of a roaring crowd, most of them staying until the bitter, chilly end despite a boring blowout. This is where college football’s postseason belongs, where it lives and thrives.
Notre Dame University’s College Football Playoff, a multi-round event, has been held for nearly 50 years. The event, which has been monopolized by the bowl structure and restricted by the academic calendar, took over three years to become a reality. Former Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick attended his first Irish game this season, witnessing the dream realized before him.
The game, which is expected to generate $40 million in economic impact to the South Bend area, took place in a snow-covered campus. Despite the cold temperatures, over 77,000 fans attended the game, despite ticket prices skyrocketing. The Irish (12-1) will face SEC champion Georgia (11-2) in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, with the quarterfinal game taking place on New Year’s Day evening.