Thursday, Jan. 9 | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
The stage is set for a blockbuster showdown as No. 4 Penn State and No. 5 Notre Dame clash in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl. With the all-time series deadlocked at 9-9-1, this game not only determines who advances to the national championship but also gives one program the upper hand in a storied rivalry that has spanned decades.
Penn State and Notre Dame share a rich history, having met 19 times. Their most recent matchup came in 2007, with Penn State securing a decisive 31-10 victory. From 1981 to 1992, the two teams faced off annually, producing memorable moments, none more iconic than the 1992 “Snow Bowl.” In that game, Notre Dame quarterback Rick Mirer delivered a clutch touchdown pass to Jerome Bettis and a game-winning two-point conversion, sealing a 17-16 victory in snowy South Bend.
This year’s Orange Bowl rekindles that rivalry, with both teams eager to take the series lead and punch their ticket to the national championship game.
This semifinal features two of the nation’s most formidable defenses. Notre Dame ranks second in scoring defense, allowing just 13.8 points per game, while Penn State is fifth, surrendering 15.8. Both units are brimming with talent, making this matchup a likely defensive slugfest.
For Penn State, edge rusher Abdul Carter has been a force, registering 11 sacks this season. However, his status is uncertain after an arm injury sidelined him against Boise State. On the Irish side, safety Xavier Watts has been a standout, earning All-American honors for a second straight year with six interceptions and a knack for disrupting opposing offenses.
Both teams rely heavily on their ground games.
The Nittany Lions boast a dynamic duo in Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, each surpassing 1,000 rushing yards this season. Their ability to establish the run will be crucial against Notre Dame’s stout defensive front.
The Irish feature running back Jeremiyah Love and dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard. Leonard, who has rushed for over 750 yards this season, brings an added dimension to Notre Dame’s offense, keeping defenses on their heels.
Penn State entered the playoffs as the six seed after falling to Oregon in the Big Ten Championship. The Nittany Lions bounced back with dominant wins over SMU (38-10) and Boise State (31-14) to secure their spot in the semifinals.
Notre Dame, the seventh seed, navigated a different path as an independent program. The Irish defeated Indiana 27-17 in the first round before stunning No. 2 Georgia 23-10 in the Sugar Bowl. Their win over Georgia showcased their defensive prowess and ability to control the game on the ground.
The winner of the 91st Orange Bowl not only advances to the national championship but also takes a step forward in reviving one of college football’s classic rivalries.
Can Penn State’s balanced attack and stout defense prevail, or will Notre Dame’s opportunistic secondary and ground game carry the day? With two top-tier programs vying for glory under the lights of Hard Rock Stadium, fans are in for an unforgettable evening.
