The Penn State Nittany Lions are one game away from the National Championship Game.
Standing in its way is Notre Dame, defeating Georgia 23-10 in the Sugar Bowl, from New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Fighting Irish trailed 3-0 before Mitch Jeter kicked a 44-yard, game-tying field goal with 8:26 remaining in the first half. It sparked a 20-0 scoring run that allowed Notre Dame to build a 17-point lead.
Jeter converted on a 48-yard attempt inside the final minute before the most significant play of the game.
Notre Dame sacked Georgia QB Gunner Stockton on the first play of the Bulldogs’ ensuing drive and forced a fumble, recovered by the Irish. On the very next play, Riley Leonard connected with Beaux Collins on a 13-yard score to go ahead 17-3.
The Irish received the ball to start the second half, but the offense didn’t need to take the field. Jayden Harrison took the kickoff 98 yards to the end zone, delivering a big punch to Georgia’s semifinal hopes.
The final shot came late in the 4th quarter. In front 20-10 with 7:23 left and facing 4th and 1, Notre Dame ran its punting unit off the field in favor of the offense and drew Georgia offsides.
Penn State is 9-9-1 all-time against Notre Dame. The last time the teams matched up was the first-ever White Out game at Beaver Stadium on September 8, 2007. Penn State won 31-10. The Orange Bowl will kick off at 7:30 p.m.
The last time Penn State faced off against Notre Dame, it was the first ever official Whiteout at Beaver Stadium pic.twitter.com/EhSCGP0NVn
— LandonTengwall (@landon_tengwall) January 2, 2025
