Penn State is just one victory away from competing for the national championship, a feat they haven’t achieved since 1986. Standing in their way is a formidable Notre Dame squad, as the two storied programs face off in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl.

Game Details

The highly anticipated clash between Penn State and Notre Dame will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The winner will advance to the national title game, set for January 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where they’ll meet either Ohio State or Texas.

Underdog Status

For the third time this season, Penn State enters as a slight underdog. The Nittany Lions were previously in this position against Ohio State and Oregon, resulting in losses. However, head coach James Franklin’s team has been peaking at the right time, showcasing dominant performances in the Playoff. They defeated SMU 38-10 and secured a 31-17 win over Boise State, despite an injury scare for star defensive end Abdul Carter, who is expected to play.

Notre Dame’s Momentum

Notre Dame is riding a hot streak, having not lost since a September upset to Northern Illinois. Under head coach Marcus Freeman, the Irish have impressed with a 27-17 win over Indiana and a decisive 23-10 victory against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.

Key Matchups and Predictions

Players on the Spot:

Penn State’s Wide Receivers: With Notre Dame’s defense excelling in man coverage, players like Harrison Wallace III and Omari Evans must step up to create opportunities.

Penn State’s Linebackers: Kobe King, Tony Rojas, and Dom DeLuca will need to contain Notre Dame’s dynamic run game led by QB Riley Leonard.

Penn State’s Safeties: Jaylen Reed and Zakee Wheatley will play critical roles in limiting Notre Dame’s offensive weapons, particularly in the run game.

Don’t Be Surprised If…

The game is decided in the red zone, where both teams excel.

Penn State’s defense manages to sack Riley Leonard multiple times, capitalizing on weaknesses in Notre Dame’s offensive line.

Predictions:

The consensus among PennLive staff is that this matchup will be a low-scoring, hard-fought battle. Penn State’s balanced offense, led by QB Drew Allar, and strategic play-calling by Andy Kotelnicki could give them the edge. The staff predicts a narrow victory for Penn State, with scores ranging from 20-17 to 24-21 in favor of the Nittany Lions.

In a game that promises intense defense and smashmouth football, both teams will need their key players to step up. For Penn State, this game represents an opportunity to continue their historic season and claim a spot in the national championship.