
In a dramatic Orange Bowl matchup on January 9, 2025, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish secured a 27-24 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
The game was marked by intense plays, controversial officiating, and a passionate fan response that briefly interrupted the action.
The pivotal moment occurred in the fourth quarter with just over ten minutes remaining. Notre Dame’s linebacker Jack Kiser intercepted a pass from Penn State quarterback Drew Allar near the end zone, a play that seemed poised to shift momentum in favor of the Fighting Irish. However, the interception was nullified by a pass interference penalty called against Notre Dame’s safety Adon Shuler, who was covering Penn State’s tight end Tyler Warren. The call elicited immediate and vehement reactions from Notre Dame’s sidelines and fan base. Head coach Marcus Freeman was visibly upset, expressing his disbelief to the officials. Simultaneously, a segment of the Notre Dame fans at Hard Rock Stadium reacted by throwing beer bottles and other debris onto the field, causing a temporary delay as officials and stadium staff worked to restore order.
Despite the disruption, the game resumed, and Penn State capitalized on the penalty. Running back Nicholas Singleton scored his third touchdown of the game shortly thereafter, giving the Nittany Lions a 24-17 lead. Singleton’s performance was a highlight for Penn State, as he tied an Orange Bowl record with three rushing touchdowns, amassing 84 yards on 15 carries.
Undeterred, Notre Dame responded with resilience. Quarterback Riley Leonard connected with wide receiver Jaden Greathouse for a 54-yard touchdown pass, leveling the score at 24-24 with just over four minutes remaining. Leonard, who had earlier exited the game due to a hard hit but returned in the second half, demonstrated remarkable poise under pressure. He completed 15 of 23 passes for 223 yards, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions, and was named Offensive MVP for his efforts.
As the clock wound down, Penn State had an opportunity to regain the lead. However, Allar’s pass was intercepted by Notre Dame’s defensive back Christian Gray with 33 seconds left on the clock. This crucial turnover set the stage for Notre Dame’s kicker, Mitch Jeter, to attempt a game-winning field goal. Jeter, who has been dubbed “Mr. January” by his teammates for his postseason performances, successfully converted the 41-yard kick, sealing the 27-24 victory for the Fighting Irish.
The win propels Notre Dame into the national championship game, marking their first appearance since 2013. Head coach Marcus Freeman, in his third season with the team, has led the Fighting Irish to a 14-1 record and will have the opportunity to become the first Black coach to win a college football national title. Reflecting on the victory, Freeman praised his team’s resilience and determination, stating, “These guys are a bunch of savages. They’re built different. I’m so proud of them and what they’ve accomplished.”
The game was not without its challenges for Penn State. Despite a strong rushing attack, with running back Kaytron Allen contributing 82 yards on 19 carries, the Nittany Lions were unable to overcome critical mistakes. Quarterback Drew Allar completed 12 of 23 passes for 135 yards but was hindered by turnovers, including the late-game interception that proved costly. Head coach James Franklin acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, noting, “We played our tails off tonight, but we made … .”
As Notre Dame prepares for the national championship game, they carry forward the momentum of a hard-fought victory and the lessons learned from a game that tested their resolve. The incident involving the fans serves as a reminder of the intense emotions that college football can evoke, underscoring the passion that defines the sport.