On Thursday night, the anticipation builds as Notre Dame faces Penn State for a chance to compete in the national championship game. The College Football Playoff semifinal is set for January 9, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET, live on ESPN. The betting line favors Notre Dame by 2.5 points, with a total score set at 45.5.
Both teams have made robust journeys to this pivotal match. Notre Dame captured a significant bowl victory on January 2, outplaying No. 2 Georgia 23-10 in the Sugar Bowl. The Irish delivered a game-changing performance, particularly around halftime, which left Georgia unable to respond. This came after Notre Dame’s historic victory over Indiana in the first-ever College Football Playoff game held on campus.
On the other hand, Penn State demonstrated their prowess by defeating Boise State 31-14, showcasing their talent as they could have secured an even larger margin had they performed better. Their first-round match against SMU was particularly dominant, with two pick-6s contributing to an easy 38-10 win.
The battle of quarterbacks features Riley Leonard for Notre Dame, who has proven to be an effective running threat. In the Sugar Bowl, he completed 15 of 24 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 80 yards on 14 carries. Throughout the season, Leonard has amassed impressive stats: 149 rushes for 831 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Drew Allar, the quarterback for Penn State, has also made his mark, throwing three touchdown passes against Boise State despite his statistics not being as flashy. He completed 13 of 25 passes for 171 yards, following a similar performance against SMU. Allar’s season shows a completion percentage over 67%, although he has struggled to maintain that level in the recent playoff games.
In terms of injuries, both teams have key players dealing with issues. Penn State’s Abdul Carter faced a left shoulder injury affecting his play in the Fiesta Bowl but is expected to return for the upcoming game. Notre Dame has seen defensive end Rylie Mills sidelined for the season but may regain Howard Cross, who has returned to practice. Running back Jeremiyah Love’s condition remains a concern, with coach Marcus Freeman reporting that he is “good to go” for the match.
Several players will be crucial to tonight’s game. Notre Dame’s Jadarian Price could step up as the primary running back should Love be limited due to his ongoing knee injury. Meanwhile, Kaytron Allen from Penn State has been impressive recently, contributing significantly to the team’s rushing game and crossing the 1,000-yard mark for the season.
As the teams prepare, a key focus will be how Notre Dame handles Penn State’s tight end Tyler Warren, a player who has proven difficult for opponents to defend. The strategies employed by both teams will play a crucial role in determining who will advance to the national title game.
This matchup promises excitement and competitive spirit, showcasing the talent and strategies both teams bring to the field, and fans can eagerly await a thrilling game that could change the trajectory of their seasons.
In summary, this game not only highlights the skilled players and deep rivalries but also sets the stage for an engaging night of college football that will undoubtedly keep viewers on the edge of their seats.