In a dramatic turn of events, Notre Dame's Fighting Irish secured a nail-biting 27-24 victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Thursday night. This win propels them into the national championship game for the first time since 2012. The Irish will face the winner of Friday’s Cotton Bowl between Ohio State and Texas, with the title game set for January 20 in Atlanta. A successful campaign could mark Notre Dame's first national title since 1988.
The final moments of the Orange Bowl were nothing short of electrifying. With just seven seconds remaining, Mitch Jeter nailed a crucial 41-yard field goal, sealing the deal for Notre Dame. Prior to this, Christian Gray had intercepted Penn State's Drew Allar with only 33 seconds left on the clock. Despite facing a third-down sack that forced a punt, Notre Dame regained possession at the 42-yard line and capitalized on their opportunities, setting up Jeter's decisive kick.
Penn State initially seemed poised to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat after gaining a first down. However, Allar's second play resulted in an interception, handing Notre Dame a golden opportunity. The Irish capitalized, driving downfield and positioning themselves for the winning field goal. Afterward, Penn State attempted a last-ditch effort but failed to convert, ending the game on a lateral-filled play that saw Allar throw the ball out of bounds.
Jeter's journey to this pivotal moment has been marked by resilience. Transferring from South Carolina, he battled through a groin injury that hampered his performance earlier in the season. Yet, as the playoffs approached, Jeter found his form, making critical contributions in recent games. His success against Penn State underscores his resurgence.
The game truly came alive in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter. After a relatively quiet first half where only 13 points were scored, both teams erupted, combining for 38 points in the final 30 minutes. Notre Dame tied the game at 24-24 following a remarkable 54-yard touchdown catch by Jaden Greathouse, who caused two Penn State defenders to stumble. Earlier, Jeremiyah Love had given the Irish their first lead with a 2-yard touchdown, only to see Penn State respond with consecutive scores.
Riley Leonard, Notre Dame's quarterback, returned in the second half after being evaluated for a concussion. His absence was brief, but during that time, backup Steve Angeli led the team to a field goal. Upon his return, Leonard demonstrated leadership and precision, completing 15 of 23 passes for 223 yards and a touchdown to Greathouse. The Irish also excelled on third downs, converting eight of their last 11 attempts.
Conversely, Penn State's offensive struggles were evident throughout the night. Drew Allar, despite rushing for 204 yards and three touchdowns from Nick Singleton, faced challenges in the passing game. He completed only 12 of 23 passes for 140 yards and threw a costly interception. Moreover, Penn State's receivers were notably absent from the stat sheet, with all receptions going to tight ends and running backs. This imbalance highlighted areas needing improvement for future success.
As Notre Dame prepares for the national championship, they carry a formidable 13-game winning streak. Their journey has been marked by resilience and strategic prowess. While Penn State faces the challenge of upgrading its wide receiving corps and enhancing quarterback performance, the Irish stand ready to make history in Atlanta. The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown that could redefine college football's landscape.