Notre Dame Secures Dramatic Victory Over Penn State in Orange Bowl, Advancing to First National Championship in Over a Decade

Orange Bowl: Notre Dame Tops Penn State to Secure National Championship Berth | Miami Herald.

For the first time in over a decade, Notre Dame is heading to the national championship. The No. 7 Fighting Irish clinched their spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship with a thrilling 27-24 victory over No. 6 Penn State in Thursday night’s Orange Bowl.

Also Notre Dame clinched a 23-10 victory over the No. 2 ranked Georgia Bulldogs, marking a historic achievement as the team secured its first-ever 13-win season in program history.

Drew Allar was pressured as he released the ball, leading to a game-changing moment as Notre Dame’s Christian Gray snagged one of the most pivotal interceptions in College Football Playoff history.

Following a pair of runs and a clutch 10-yard pass from quarterback Riley Leonard to wide receiver Jaden Greathouse, Notre Dame moved the ball into field goal range. Kicker Mitch Jeter, now 7-of-8 during the Fighting Irish’s College Football Playoff run, drilled a 41-yard field goal to punch their ticket to Atlanta. Penn State attempted a desperate series of laterals on the final play, but Notre Dame’s defense held firm to secure the victory.

This is the same Notre Dame team that suffered an early-season loss to Northern Illinois. It’s also the same team that has battled through significant setbacks, losing several key players to injury, including potential first-round cornerback Benjamin Morrison and leading pass rusher Rylie Mills.

The victory capped a remarkable season for N. Dame, which overcame early-season setbacks, including a loss to Northern Illinois and injuries to key players like cornerback Benjamin Morrison and defensive lineman Rylie Mills. With this win, Notre Dame will face the winner of the Ohio State vs. Texas matchup in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 20.