Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti's bold pregame talk came back to haunt him after a disappointing loss to Notre Dame in the opening round of the College Football Playoff. His pre-game boast on ESPN's "College GameDay," where he claimed the Hoosiers don't just win against top-25 teams, but "beat the s--- out of them," seemed ironic after the 27-17 defeat.

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates a touchdown against Indiana during the first half of their College Football Playoff game on December 20, 2024. (IMAGN)

Adding to the sting of the loss was a questionable coaching decision by Cignetti in the fourth quarter. Down by 17 points with just over 10 minutes left in the game, Indiana faced a fourth-and-11 at the Notre Dame 48-yard line. Most anticipated an aggressive play, but Cignetti opted to punt, a move that baffled many. He later explained his decision, citing a struggling offense and a defense that was still putting up a fight. He expressed reluctance to gamble on a fourth-and-10, believing a punt offered a better chance, however slim, of a comeback. However, the strategy proved ineffective as Notre Dame further extended their lead on the subsequent drive.

Indiana coach Curt Cignetti observes the game against Notre Dame during the first half of their College Football Playoff matchup on December 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

With the victory, Notre Dame advances to face SEC champion Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) prepares to pass during the second half of the 2024 SEC Championship game against Texas. (Brett Davis-Imagn Images)