In a game defined by resilience and strategy, No. 3 Notre Dame defeated No. 2 Georgia 23-10 in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, punching their ticket to the College Football Playoff semifinals. The Fighting Irish (13-1, CFP No. 5) overcame adversity on and off the field, securing their 12th straight victory just a day after a deadly terror attack rocked New Orleans.
The game, originally scheduled for Wednesday night, was postponed due to the tragic attack on Bourbon Street that claimed 14 lives. It marked the first postponement in the 91-year history of the Sugar Bowl. Despite the somber backdrop, Notre Dame emerged focused and determined, delivering a performance that showcased their resilience.
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard played a pivotal role, passing for 90 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for a team-high 80 yards. Leonard’s versatility was evident, highlighted by a late-game first-down leap that secured the win.
Special teams and defense provided the spark Notre Dame needed. Jayden Harrison electrified the Superdome crowd with a 98-yard kickoff return to open the second half, giving the Irish a commanding 20-3 lead. On defense, RJ Oben’s blindside sack and Junior Tuihalamaka’s fumble recovery late in the first half set up a touchdown pass from Leonard to Beaux Collins, capping a momentum-shifting sequence.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman’s tactical acumen was on full display. In a critical fourth-quarter moment, Freeman orchestrated a clever fake punt that drew an offside penalty from Georgia, allowing the Irish to extend a drive and burn precious time off the clock.
Georgia (11-3, CFP No. 2) battled without starting quarterback Carson Beck, who was sidelined with an elbow injury. Backup Gunner Stockton managed 234 passing yards and a touchdown but was under constant pressure from Notre Dame’s defense. Costly turnovers and failed fourth-down conversions doomed the Bulldogs, despite outgaining the Irish 296-244 in total yards.
“This team has faced adversity all year, and tonight was no different,” Freeman said. “Our players stayed disciplined and made the plays when they mattered most.”
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart acknowledged the challenges his team faced. “Losing Carson hurt, but we had our chances. Notre Dame made the key plays, and we didn’t.”
Notre Dame now prepares for a semifinal clash against No. 5 Penn State (13-2, CFP No. 6) in the Orange Bowl, reigniting a historic rivalry tied at 9-9-1.
For Georgia, the loss ends their season, but they’ll look to regroup for their 2025 opener against Marshall on August 30.
While the Sugar Bowl showcased high-stakes football, it was also a testament to the strength of a city and its visitors. Security was heightened at the Superdome, and the announced attendance of 68,400 reflected the determination of fans to persevere.
In a season of firsts, Notre Dame’s win in the inaugural 12-team playoff format sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting semifinal matchup in Miami.
