Notre Dame’s Dramatic Victory Over Penn State Secures Spot in CFP Championship
In a game that will be remembered for its nail-biting finish and dramatic twists, Notre Dame emerged victorious over Penn State with a 27-24 win in the Orange Bowl. This thrilling encounter, held in Miami Gardens, Florida, was a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of college football. The Fighting Irish’s triumph was sealed by a last-second field goal, propelling them into the College Football Playoff (CFP) Championship game.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring three ties, three lead changes, and a staggering 31 points scored in the fourth quarter alone. Notre Dame, seeded seventh in the first-ever 12-team college playoff, now stands on the brink of claiming its 12th national title. The team will face the winner of the Texas-Ohio State semifinal on January 20, with hopes of bringing a championship back to South Bend for the first time since 1988.
Key Moments and Players
The pivotal moment came when Notre Dame’s defensive back Christian Gray made a diving interception off a pass from Penn State’s Drew Allar. This crucial play occurred with just 33 seconds left on the clock, setting up the game-winning field goal by Mitch Jeter from 41 yards out, leaving only 7 seconds remaining.
Notre Dame’s quarterback Riley Leonard was instrumental in the victory, overcoming a hit late in the second quarter that required a concussion check. Leonard’s resilience was on full display as he led the Irish on four scoring drives in the second half, including the decisive final drive. He completed the game with 223 yards passing, a touchdown pass, and a rushing touchdown, along with 35 yards on the ground.
Game Dynamics
The game began with Penn State in control, leading 10-0 until Leonard’s return sparked a Notre Dame comeback. The Irish responded with touchdown drives of 75 and 72 yards in the third quarter, flipping the score to a 17-10 lead. However, the Nittany Lions were not to be outdone, as they fought back to keep the game within reach.
Despite their efforts, Penn State, the No. 6 seed, fell short in a contest they had dominated for much of the first half. Coach James Franklin’s record against AP Top 10 teams now stands at 4-20, a statistic that underscores the challenge his team faced against a formidable Notre Dame squad.
Looking Ahead
As Notre Dame prepares for the championship game, all eyes will be on head coach Marcus Freeman. He has the opportunity to make history by becoming the first Black head coach to win a national title at the highest level of college football. The anticipation is palpable as the Fighting Irish aim to etch their name in the annals of college football history once more.
- Notre Dame’s record: 14-1
- Penn State’s record: 13-3
- Next game: CFP Championship on January 20
The stage is set for what promises to be an epic showdown, and fans across the nation are eagerly awaiting the outcome. Will Notre Dame reclaim its place atop the college football world, or will their opponent rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this season’s CFP Championship is not to be missed.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
