Notre Dame (13-1) vs. Penn State (13-2): A Clash in the Orange Bowl Semifinal
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
When: Thursday, Jan. 9 – 7:30 PM EST
Television: ESPN/ABC – Sean McDonough (play-by-play); Greg McElroy (analyst); Molly McGrath (sideline)
Radio: Notre Dame Radio Network, Sirius XM (Channel 129) 101.FM & 960 AM (South Bend); Tony Simeone (play-by-play); Ryan Harris (analyst)
Spread: Notre Dame –1.5; O/U 45.5
Notre Dame Overview:
The Fighting Irish secured a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals after defeating No. 2 seed Georgia 23-10 in the quarterfinals in New Orleans. This marks Notre Dame’s third appearance in the CFP semifinals (previously in 2018 and 2020) and the first under head coach Marcus Freeman. The victory over Georgia was Freeman’s 13th win against ranked opponents, making Notre Dame second only to Georgia in such victories over the past three seasons.
Jeremiyah Love, the Irish’s leading rusher, suffered an aggravated right knee injury in the win against Georgia. Love, who has accumulated 1,076 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, was limited to just six carries and 19 yards, snapping his streak of 13 consecutive games with a touchdown. Despite the setback, Freeman confirmed that Love will be ready to face Penn State.
Penn State Overview:
The Nittany Lions, seeded third in the playoffs, advanced to the semifinals after a commanding 31-14 win over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Penn State boasts a +10 turnover margin, having forced seven turnovers in their first two CFP games. Head coach James Franklin indicated that defensive end Abdul Carter, a potential first-round NFL draft pick, will be a game-time decision due to a left arm/shoulder injury sustained against Boise State. Carter leads the team with 11 sacks and ranks second nationally with 22 tackles for loss.
Series History:
Notre Dame and Penn State have faced off 19 times, with the series tied at 9-9-1. Their last meeting was in 2007, and their most recent postseason encounter was a 20-9 Notre Dame victory in the 1977 Gator Bowl.
As these storied programs prepare to clash, the stakes are high with a spot in the national championship on the line.
