
In a thrilling College Football Playoff semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish narrowly defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 21-20, securing their spot in the National Championship.
First Quarter: Dominant Start for Notre Dame
Notre Dame came out strong, with kicker Mitch Jeter opening the scoring with a 33-yard field goal. Shortly after, running back Jeremiyah Love powered through Penn State’s defense for a 4-yard touchdown run, giving the Irish a 10-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.
Second Quarter: Extending the Lead
The Fighting Irish continued their offensive momentum in the second quarter. Quarterback Riley Leonard connected with wide receiver Beaux Collins for a 12-yard touchdown pass, extending Notre Dame’s lead to 17-0. Penn State managed to get on the board just before halftime with a 39-yard field goal by Sander Sahayadak, making it 17-3 at the break.
Third Quarter: Penn State’s Resurgence
The Nittany Lions regrouped during halftime and came out with renewed vigor. Tight end Khalil Dinkins scored on a 1-yard touchdown run, narrowing the gap to 17-10. Later in the quarter, Penn State’s defense made a pivotal play, forcing a safety that brought the score to 17-12, signaling a shift in momentum.
Fourth Quarter: A Nail-Biting Finish
Early in the fourth quarter, Sahayadak nailed a 45-yard field goal, bringing Penn State within two points at 17-15. Notre Dame responded with a 41-yard field goal from Jeter, pushing their lead to 20-15. With less than a minute remaining, Penn State quarterback Drew Allar found running back Nicholas Singleton for a 1-yard touchdown pass, giving the Nittany Lions their first lead at 21-20. However, their two-point conversion attempt failed. Notre Dame’s offense, led by Leonard, orchestrated a swift drive that culminated in a game-winning field goal by Jeter as time expired, sealing a 23-21 victory for the Fighting Irish.
Key Performances
Riley Leonard (Notre Dame): The dual-threat quarterback showcased his versatility, contributing both through the air and on the ground, including a crucial touchdown pass to Beaux Collins.
Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame): Despite concerns about his health leading up to the game, Love delivered a solid performance, highlighted by his early touchdown run.
Drew Allar (Penn State): Allar demonstrated poise under pressure, leading the Nittany Lions’ second-half comeback and throwing a late touchdown pass to Singleton.
Abdul Carter (Penn State): Carter was a defensive force, recording multiple tackles for loss and applying consistent pressure on Notre Dame’s offense.
Strategic Insights
Notre Dame’s early dominance was fueled by their ability to control the line of scrimmage and execute a balanced offensive attack. However, Penn State’s adjustments at halftime, particularly their defensive schemes, disrupted Notre Dame’s rhythm and facilitated the Nittany Lions’ comeback. The game ultimately hinged on special teams, with Jeter’s clutch kicking proving to be the difference.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Notre Dame advances to the National Championship, where they will face the winner of the Ohio State vs. Texas semifinal. The Fighting Irish will look to build upon their resilient performance as they prepare for the title game.Â