As the No. 7 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-1) prepare to face the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (11-2) in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday night, the narrative is more than just a matchup. It’s a story of two programs on different paths: one seeking its first major breakthrough in decades, the other aiming to reclaim its position atop the college football throne.
For Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, winning national championships isn’t a lofty dream—it’s the baseline. The Bulldogs, two years removed from back-to-back titles, define success as nothing less than hoisting the trophy. Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, on the other hand, focuses on maximizing potential.
“Everybody has an obsession with winning the national championship,” Freeman said. “But my obsession is to get this program to reach our full potential. And if the result of that is earning the national championship, great. But we focus on what we can control—getting better every day.”
This mindset will be tested against a Georgia team built on dominance in the trenches and physicality across the board. Freeman sees parallels between the programs, while Smart recognizes Notre Dame’s rise as a reflection of Georgia’s blueprint.
Notre Dame’s Offensive Blueprint
To overcome Georgia’s vaunted defense, Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock will lean heavily on quarterback Riley Leonard’s dual-threat abilities. Mobile quarterbacks like Alabama’s Jalen Milroe and Georgia Tech’s Haynes King have exposed cracks in the Bulldogs’ defense this season. Leonard, with 751 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground, must exploit those vulnerabilities.
While Notre Dame doesn’t mimic Georgia Tech’s misdirection-heavy offense, Leonard’s ability to extend plays and create opportunities with his feet will be crucial. “He has to create some plays with his feet,” Denbrock admitted. “We’re not Georgia Tech, but Leonard’s mobility gives us a chance.”
The Stockton Factor
Georgia’s quarterback situation adds intrigue. With starter Carson Beck sidelined, third-year backup Gunner Stockton will take the reins. In limited action this season, Stockton showed promise but also inexperience. Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden plans to pressure Stockton into mistakes.
“The system around him is excellent,” Golden said. “But if we can force him to think twice, we can make him look like a backup.” Stockton’s success will depend on Georgia’s supporting cast, including a healthy offensive line and playmakers like running back Trevor Etienne and tight ends Oscar Delp and Ben Yurosek.
Notre Dame’s Defensive Depth Tested
The Irish defense has overcome injuries all season, but the loss of standout defensive lineman Rylie Mills looms large. Gabriel Rubio will step in, but depth behind him is thin. Against a Georgia offensive line averaging 315 pounds per starter, Notre Dame’s front seven must rise to the occasion.
“I feel prepared for this opportunity,” Rubio said. “It’s a challenge, but it’s also a chance to step up for the team.”
Prediction
Notre Dame hasn’t won a major bowl game in 31 years, but this might be its best chance to break that streak. While Georgia isn’t as dominant as in years past, the Bulldogs remain formidable. Notre Dame’s hopes rest on Leonard’s playmaking ability and a defense capable of rattling Stockton.
If the Irish can control the trenches and capitalize on Leonard’s mobility, they could make history and advance to the semifinals at the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9.
