In a significant upset at the Allstate Sugar Bowl, No. 7 Notre Dame defeated No. 2 Georgia with a 23-10 victory, advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
The game commenced with a defensive standoff, concluding the first quarter scoreless. Georgia broke the deadlock in the second quarter with a 41-yard field goal by Peyton Woodring. Notre Dame responded with two field goals from Mitch Jeter, measuring 44 and 48 yards, respectively, taking a 6-3 lead. Just before halftime, Notre Dame’s RJ Oben forced a fumble, leading to a touchdown pass from Riley Leonard to Beaux Collins, setting the halftime score at 13-3.
The Fighting Irish extended their lead early in the second half when Jayden Harrison returned the kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, making it 20-3. Georgia narrowed the gap with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Cash Jones but failed to sustain their momentum. Jeter added a 47-yard field goal for Notre Dame, bringing the score to 23-10. Georgia’s subsequent drive faltered with a failed fourth-down attempt in the red zone, and Notre Dame maintained possession with a prolonged drive, effectively sealing the win.
This victory marks Notre Dame’s first postseason win over Georgia, propelling them into a semifinal matchup against Penn State in the Orange Bowl.
