Before the expansion to a 12-team College Football Playoff, Penn State often found itself on the outside looking in, playing second fiddle to its Big Ten rivals, Ohio State and Michigan. Despite strong seasons, the Nittany Lions were frequently edged out of the four-team playoff. Now, with a victory over Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, Penn State finally has the opportunity to compete for a national championship.
This semifinal matchup features No. 7 Notre Dame (13-1) against No. 6 Penn State (13-2) in what promises to be a historic showdown. The two storied programs, tied 9-9-1 in their all-time series, haven’t met in 17 years, with Penn State dominating their last encounter 31-10. Historically, Penn State has defeated Notre Dame during its national title runs in 1982 and 1986, adding an intriguing layer to this clash.
As the Nittany Lions prepare for their biggest game in decades, here are some bold predictions for their Orange Bowl showdown against Notre Dame:
Tyler Warren Will Amass 80+ Total Yards and Score a Touchdown
Tyler Warren has emerged as a key offensive weapon for Penn State this season, capable of making plays from various positions on the field. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelicki has utilized Warren’s versatility to keep defenses guessing.
After a quiet stretch in the Big Ten Championship and the first playoff round against SMU, Warren delivered a standout performance in the Fiesta Bowl, catching six passes for 63 yards and two touchdowns against Boise State. Facing Notre Dame’s formidable defense, Warren is expected to continue his momentum, racking up at least 80 total yards and finding the end zone.
Drew Allar Will Pass for 200 Yards and Two Touchdowns
Quarterback Drew Allar, a potential top pick in future NFL drafts, has had an up-and-down season, including six games with fewer than 200 passing yards. Notably, his performances have been more subdued in Penn State’s playoff appearances.
Against Boise State, Allar threw for three touchdowns with 171 passing yards in a game where his full capabilities weren’t required. However, Notre Dame’s defense will pose a greater challenge, necessitating a more impactful performance. Expect Allar to rise to the occasion, throwing for over 200 yards and two touchdowns to propel Penn State toward a shot at their first national title since 1986.
Conclusion
As Penn State and Notre Dame prepare for their Orange Bowl clash, history, and recent performance set the stage for an exciting game. With key players like Tyler Warren and Drew Allar poised to make significant contributions, the Nittany Lions are ready to take the next step toward ending their long championship drought.
