Notre Dame vs Penn State – College Football Playoff Orange Bowl Preview – Jan 9, 2025
Notre Dame and Penn State square off in the Orange Bowl on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. This game is a College Football Playoff semifinal, with the winner advancing to the national championship. Notre Dame (13-1) and Penn State (13-2) are both aiming to end national title droughts spanning over three decades.
The Fighting Irish are coming off a 23-10 upset over No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, while Penn State defeated Boise State 31-14 in the Fiesta Bowl. This will be their first meeting since 2007, when Penn State claimed a 31-10 victory. Both teams enter with strong defenses and balanced offenses, setting the stage for a competitive matchup.
Notre Dame Preview – Irish Look to Stay Hot
Notre Dame has been a model of consistency this season, winning 13 games and boasting a perfect record since their only loss in September. They’ve leaned heavily on a stout defense, ranking third nationally in turnover margin. Safety Xavier Watts has been a standout with six interceptions and one fumble recovery.
On offense, quarterback Riley Leonard has combined for 2,383 passing yards, 831 rushing yards, and 33 total touchdowns. While the Irish struggled offensively against Georgia, Leonard’s dual-threat ability will be key against a disciplined Penn State defense. Running back Audric Estime adds another dimension, contributing over 1,200 rushing yards this season.
Notre Dame’s ability to limit mistakes and capitalize on turnovers will be pivotal. The Irish defense, particularly in the red zone, could make the difference in a tight contest.
Penn State Preview – Nittany Lions Chase Third National Title
Penn State enters the Orange Bowl after back-to-back playoff wins, showcasing their strong running game and defensive prowess. Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton have combined for over 2,000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, forming one of the nation’s top backfields. The Lions will look to control the clock and wear down the Notre Dame defense.
Defensively, Penn State is anchored by Abdul Carter, who leads the team with 21.5 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. Carter’s status is questionable due to an arm injury, but his presence would be critical against Notre Dame’s mobile quarterback. The Nittany Lions’ defense ranks in the top 10 in both scoring and total yards allowed, emphasizing their consistency.
For Penn State to advance, quarterback Drew Allar will need to avoid turnovers and deliver in critical moments. The Lions’ ability to balance their offense and pressure Leonard will dictate their chances.
Betting Prediction
The spread is razor-thin, with Notre Dame favored by just 1 point and the total set at 45.5. Both teams have relied on strong defenses and methodical offenses, which suggests a low-scoring affair. Notre Dame’s advantage in turnover margin and Penn State’s ground game could make this a close battle throughout.
Notre Dame’s recent form, particularly their win over Georgia, gives them a slight edge. However, Penn State’s running game and defense make them a live underdog. Expect this to come down to the final possessions.
Pick: Notre Dame -1, Under 45.5
