Notre Dame Beats Georgia 23-10 in Sugar Bowl, Advances to Face Penn State in CFP Semifinals

Jan 3, 2025, 12:46 AM

Notre Dame defeated Georgia 23-10 in the Sugar Bowl, securing their advancement to the College Football Playoff semifinals. The game, originally scheduled for New Year's Day, was postponed due to a deadly terror attack in New Orleans. Notre Dame's victory was propelled by a strong defensive performance and key plays, including a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jayden Harrison and a crucial fumble recovery leading to a touchdown pass from Riley Leonard to Beaux Collins. Georgia played without their starting quarterback Carson Beck, who was injured in the SEC title game, and was replaced by Gunner Stockton. The Bulldogs' offense struggled, with Stockton throwing a touchdown to Cash Jones, but a 48-yard field goal by Mitch Jeter and a sack by RJ Oben leading to a fumble recovery by Junior Tuihalamaka helped Notre Dame secure the win. The victory sets up Notre Dame to face Penn State in the Orange Bowl semifinal on January 9, while Texas will play Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl semifinal on January 10.