The inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) has brought some new twists, but the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal matchup between No. 2 Georgia and No. 3 Notre Dame evokes a timeless feel. For the first time since their legendary meeting for the 1980 national championship, the Bulldogs and Fighting Irish will face off in New Orleans’ iconic Superdome, with a trip to the CFP semifinals on the line.
Back then, it was Herschel Walker who carried Georgia to a 17-10 victory. Today’s stakes may not involve a trophy—yet—but this clash offers echoes of history while showcasing modern college football at its finest.
Georgia tight end Oscar Delp and Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser have immersed themselves in the lore of that 1980 game. The Bulldogs’ players even watched film of Herschel Walker’s breakout performance as part of their preparation. But they also know the task at hand isn’t about history—it’s about continuing their playoff run and securing a semifinal berth in the Orange Bowl.
The Bulldogs (11-2) enter the Sugar Bowl as the No. 2 seed, overcoming adversity after losing star quarterback Carson Beck to injury. Meanwhile, Notre Dame (11-1) has shown resilience, bouncing back from a shocking September loss to Northern Illinois with 11 straight victories, including an opening-round win over Indiana.
The quarterback matchup couldn’t be more intriguing—or contrasting.
For Notre Dame, Riley Leonard has been the steady hand. The Alabama native transferred from Duke to lead the Irish, blending his dual-threat ability with poise under pressure. Leonard has amassed 2,293 passing yards and 17 touchdowns through the air while adding 751 yards and 15 scores on the ground.
Georgia’s Gunner Stockton is the opposite of seasoned. A career backup, Stockton was thrust into the spotlight during Georgia’s comeback victory over Texas in the SEC Championship after Beck’s injury. With three weeks to prepare for his first start, Stockton’s rural Georgia roots and work ethic have defined his approach. As Delp quipped, “We’ve got one quarterback with a Lamborghini and one who drives a two-door F-150. It’s crazy times.”
Stockton’s resilience has become his hallmark. He memorably held onto the football after a brutal hit against Texas knocked his helmet off, embodying the grit that Georgia will need against Notre Dame’s physical defense.
Notre Dame’s September stumble against Northern Illinois could have derailed their season. Instead, it galvanized them. Leonard credits the team’s locker-room resolve for their ability to string together 11 consecutive wins, capped by a dominant opening-round victory over Indiana.
“Inside the locker room, we never wavered,” Leonard said. “We’ve built this momentum, and now it’s about keeping it going.”
Georgia has spent the past decade under Kirby Smart building a program defined by toughness and resilience. This year’s Bulldogs leaned on their depth to claim the SEC crown, even after Beck’s injury threatened to derail their season. Stockton’s performance against Texas has given the Bulldogs confidence heading into the Sugar Bowl, with Delp noting the team’s belief in Stockton’s preparation and mentality.
The Sugar Bowl is a fitting stage for two storied programs whose paths rarely cross. For Notre Dame, it’s a chance to prove they belong among the game’s elite after years of playoff frustration. For Georgia, it’s a step toward reclaiming the championship trophy after falling short last year.
With the CFP expansion breathing new life into college football’s postseason, this quarterfinal matchup feels like a nod to the sport’s glorious past while paving the way for its future.
Kickoff is set for Wednesday night in the Superdome. One team will move on to Miami and the semifinals, while the other will reflect on what might have been. Either way, the Sugar Bowl is set to deliver another classic.
