Notre Dame advances to CFP semifinals with a 23-10 victory over Georgia in a drama-filled Sugar Bowl
Riley Leonard threw for a touchdown, Jayden Harrison electrified with a 98-yard kickoff return for a score, and Notre Dame's defense delivered in critical moments, leading the fifth-seeded Fighting Irish (13-1) to a 23-10 triumph over No. 2 Georgia (11-2) in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Thursday. The win propels Notre Dame into a semifinal matchup against Penn State at the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9.
The game, delayed by a day due to a deadly terror attack in New Orleans, showcased Notre Dame's resilience both on and off the field. Head coach Marcus Freeman commended his team for their grit and focus amidst challenging circumstances.
"Our coaches called the game aggressively, and our players executed at every level," Freeman said. "I’m incredibly proud of how they handled the last 24 hours."
Key moments included a pivotal fourth-down stop by the Irish defense and a bold tactical move by Freeman, where a fake punt attempt forced Georgia into an offsides penalty, draining precious minutes off the clock.
Georgia, missing starting quarterback Carson Beck due to an injury, struggled to capitalize on opportunities. Backup QB Gunner Stockton completed 20 of 32 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown but was undone by turnovers and fourth-down failures.
Notre Dame's decisive 54-second sequence late in the first half swung the momentum. Mitch Jeter's 48-yard field goal, a forced fumble by RJ Oben, and Leonard's touchdown pass to Beaux Collins gave the Irish a 13-3 halftime lead.
Harrison’s second-half kickoff return extended the lead to 20-3, showcasing his breakaway speed. Despite a late push by Georgia, highlighted by Stockton's 32-yard touchdown pass to Cash Jones, the Bulldogs couldn’t overcome their mistakes.
Postgame, Freeman emphasized the program's aggressive mentality: "That’s our edge—fearlessness in our approach. It’s what got us here, and it’s what will carry us forward."
Takeaways
- Notre Dame: The Irish defense and Leonard's versatility make them a formidable opponent heading into the CFP semifinals.
- Georgia: Without its starting QB, Georgia's miscues and missed opportunities proved too costly in a high-stakes game.
Up Next
- Notre Dame: A storied rivalry resumes with Penn State in Miami, with the series currently tied at 9-9-1.
- Georgia: The Bulldogs will look to regroup ahead of their 2025 season opener at home against Marshall on Aug. 30.