College Football Playoff Scores: Notre Dame Dominates Georgia in Sugar Bowl, Moves on to Semifinal Against Penn State

 

Fri, Jan 3, 2025, 10:16 AM GMT+6

The College Football Playoff semifinals are officially set, with Notre Dame securing the final spot after a dominant victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Thursday. The Irish will face Penn State in the Orange Bowl on January 9 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

In the other semifinal, Texas will take on Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on January 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

The Sugar Bowl, originally delayed due to a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in New Orleans on January 1 that resulted in 15 fatalities and many injuries, went ahead as planned on Thursday. Despite a somber atmosphere and a reduced crowd, the game proceeded without incident.

Here's a recap of the action from the Sugar Bowl:

• Notre Dame defense finishes it off! The Irish sealed the win with a sack, capping off a stellar defensive performance.
• Two-minute warning: The Irish were facing a fourth down, but it would take a miracle for Georgia to mount a comeback.
• Another Notre Dame first down: The Irish controlled the clock as they continued to move the ball, with Georgia struggling to stop them.
• Notre Dame uses trickery to convert on fourth down: On a crucial fourth-and-1, the Irish faked a punt and caught Georgia off-guard, drawing a penalty to keep the drive alive.
• Georgia stopped on fourth down: The Bulldogs went for it on fourth down at the 9-yard line, but their attempt failed.
• Georgia keeps hope alive after penalty: The Bulldogs drew a crucial pass interference penalty to extend their drive into the red zone.
• Notre Dame kicks a field goal: A penalty moved the Irish back, but they still managed a field goal to extend their lead to 23-10.
• End of Q3: Notre Dame held a 20-10 lead, with the Irish continuing to move the ball effectively.
• Georgia stopped on fourth down: Another fourth-down attempt by Georgia came up short, as Notre Dame's defense held firm.
• Notre Dame stuffed on fourth down: The Irish couldn't convert a fourth-and-1, giving Georgia possession at midfield.
• Touchdown Georgia! The Bulldogs scored their first touchdown of the game, narrowing the gap to 20-10.
• Notre Dame scores a 98-yard touchdown on kickoff return: A stunning special teams play gave Notre Dame a 20-3 lead.
• Halftime score: Notre Dame led 13-3 at halftime after a late turnover and touchdown swung the momentum.
• Touchdown Notre Dame! Riley Leonard threw a 13-yard touchdown pass just before the break to increase the lead.
• Fumble recovery by Notre Dame: The Irish capitalized on a fumble by Georgia's Gunner Stockton, setting up a short-field opportunity.
• NotreMitch Jeter's field goal just before halftime gave  Dame takes the lead: Notre Dame a 6-3 advantage.

A Look Ahead to the Semifinals:

• Orange Bowl: #7 Notre Dame vs. #6 Penn State
  Date: January 9 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | TV: ESPN
  Line: Notre Dame -1.5 | Total: 48.5
  Notre Dame's defense impressed in their win over Georgia, while Penn State defeated Boise State 31-14 in the Fiesta Bowl. Both teams are dealing with injuries but have strong defensive units, which should set up an intriguing matchup.

• Cotton Bowl: #8 Ohio State vs. #5 Texas
  Date: January 10 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | TV: ESPN
  Line: Ohio State -6.5 | Total: 53.5
  Ohio State comes in as a strong favorite after dominant wins in the first two rounds, including a blowout over Oregon. Texas, while having a tougher road to the semifinals, boasts a strong running game and home-field advantage in the Cotton Bowl.

National Championship Odds:

• Ohio State: +110
• Texas: +350
• Notre Dame: +350
• Penn State: +450

Ohio State remains the favorite, while Texas and Notre Dame are tied for second, with Penn State trailing but still in contention. A potential rematch between Ohio State and Penn State is possible in the national championship, after the Buckeyes defeated the Nittany Lions 20-13 earlier this season.