The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, ranked seventh, are set to clash with the second-seeded Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the 2025 Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Eve. This exciting matchup will determine who advances to face the winner of the sixth-seeded Penn State against third-seeded Boise State in the semifinal round.
The Fighting Irish come into this game on a ten-game winning streak, boasting a season record of 12-1 and a perfect track record of 5-0 against ranked opponents according to the Associated Press. On the other hand, the Bulldogs, with an 11-2 record, recently claimed the SEC Championship by overcoming Texas in a nail-biting 22-19 overtime victory. Despite their successes, both teams will be dealing with player absences due to injuries and transfers. Notre Dame is missing at least 11 players, while Georgia will be without nine players, including starting quarterback Carson Beck, who is recovering from elbow surgery and has declared for the NFL Draft.
The highly anticipated kickoff is scheduled for 8:45 PM ET at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Georgia holds a historical edge in their series, leading 3-0, with their last meeting occurring in 2019. Currently, the Bulldogs are slight favorites by one point, with an over/under for the total points set at 45.5.
Quarterback Riley Leonard is a significant asset for Notre Dame, having completed 66.8% of his passes this season with 2,293 yards and 17 touchdowns. His performance in their first-round playoff victory over Indiana showcased his skills as he completed nearly 72% of his passes. Running back Jeremiyah Love complements Leonard’s efforts, rejuvenating the Irish’s ground game with impressive statistics.
For Georgia, freshman Gunner Stockton will step in as quarterback in place of Beck, supported by a dynamic duo of running backs: Nate Frazier and Trevor Etienne. Their contributions were pivotal in the Bulldogs’ successful campaign, particularly Frazier, who has made a strong comeback from injury.
As anticipation builds for this matchup, both teams have the potential to showcase their strengths, making this sugar bowl a must-watch event. Fans and sports analysts alike are keen to see how these two powerhouses navigate their respective challenges, adding to the excitement of college football playoff season.
In summary, the Sugar Bowl will not only determine the next step in both teams’ pursuit of the championship but also promises thrilling football as they contend with injuries and strategize without key players. This game is a testament to the tenacity and depth of both rosters, reflecting the competitive spirit of college football.