In a thrilling Orange Bowl semi-final, Notre Dame triumphed over Penn State 27-24, securing a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship game. The Fighting Irish’s dramatic win, fueled by a late-game interception and a clutch field goal, set the stage for a showdown with either Texas or Ohio State in the title game on January 20.
The game was a back-and-forth battle, with three ties, three lead changes, and a remarkable 31 points scored in the fourth quarter alone. The final minutes saw Notre Dame defensive back Christian Gray make a game-changing play. Gray intercepted Penn State quarterback Drew Allar’s pass across the middle with just 33 seconds remaining, setting up a short drive that positioned Notre Dame for a game-winning 41-yard field goal by Mitch Jeter, who sealed the victory with seven seconds left on the clock.
Penn State had dominated much of the first half, holding a 10-0 lead early in the second quarter. But Notre Dame, led by quarterback Riley Leonard, quickly regained momentum after Leonard was briefly sidelined due to a hit that left him needing medical attention. Leonard’s return sparked a turnaround, as he led the Irish to two quick touchdowns in the third quarter, including a 75-yard drive and a 72-yard drive, turning a deficit into a 17-10 lead.
Leonard’s performance was key to Notre Dame’s success. He finished with 223 yards passing, including a crucial 10-yard completion to Jaden Greathouse on third-and-3 during the final drive. Leonard also contributed with 35 yards rushing and scored both through the air and on the ground. His resilience in the face of adversity helped propel the Irish to their first national title appearance since 1988.
While Penn State was unable to hold onto their early lead, the Nittany Lions played a strong game. They controlled the tempo for much of the first half, but their inability to capitalize on key moments late in the game ultimately cost them. Coach James Franklin’s team had a chance to win, but the interception and subsequent field goal dashed their hopes. Franklin’s record against top 10 teams dropped to 4-20 with the loss, underscoring the difficulty of breaking through in high-stakes matchups.
For Notre Dame, the victory marked another milestone in their storied history, as they now have a chance to claim their 12th national championship. The Irish will face the winner of the Texas-Ohio State game, with the opportunity to secure their first title in over three decades. Coach Marcus Freeman, who has made history as Notre Dame’s first Black head coach, will also be aiming to make history by becoming the first Black coach to win a national title in college football’s highest division.
As the Fighting Irish prepare for the championship game, the win over Penn State will be remembered for its drama, resilience, and thrilling conclusion. With a chance to bring the national title back to South Bend, Notre Dame is poised for a historic moment in college football.
