Notre Dame vs. Georgia Final Score: Irish Defense Shines in Victory, Advances to Semifinals
Notre Dame vs. Georgia Final Score: Irish Defense Shines in Victory, Advances to Semifinals
Notre Dame Secures Spot in CFP Semifinals with Historic Win Over Georgia
Notre Dame punched its ticket to the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals with a decisive 23-10 victory over No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal on Thursday at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
This victory marked Notre Dame's first-ever win against Georgia, snapping an 0-3 streak that included a loss in the 1981 Sugar Bowl.
The game’s momentum shifted late in the first half. After a 48-yard field goal by Mitch Jeter put Notre Dame ahead 6-3, RJ Oben’s strip-sack of Georgia’s Gunner Stockton set up a quick touchdown pass from Riley Leonard to Beaux Collins. Moments later, Jayden Harrison electrified the crowd with a 98-yard kickoff return, extending the lead to 20-3.
Despite conceding a third-quarter touchdown, the Irish defense locked down in the second half, forcing two critical turnovers on downs to seal the win. Quarterback Riley Leonard contributed 74 rushing yards and a touchdown, while the defense anchored by Donovan Hinish stifled Georgia’s offense.
The Sugar Bowl, originally scheduled for Jan. 1, was delayed due to a tragic terrorist attack in New Orleans. Notre Dame now faces a short turnaround as they prepare to meet No. 6 Penn State in the Orange Bowl semifinal on Jan. 9 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Final Score
Notre Dame 23, Georgia 10
Notre Dame’s victory sets up a chance to continue their championship pursuit and solidifies their place among college football’s elite.
Holding Penalty Nullifies Big Gain for Notre Dame
Jadarian Price broke loose for a 13-yard run along the right side, but the play was negated by a holding penalty on wide receiver Jaden Greathouse. The costly mistake stalled the Fighting Irish offense, which has struggled to find rhythm throughout the game.
Notre Dame now faces first-and-15 from its own 36-yard line.
Georgia Strikes Back with Touchdown
Georgia narrowed the gap as Cash Jones caught a 32-yard touchdown pass from Gunner Stockton. Jones was left wide open down the left sideline, and Stockton delivered a perfect throw for the score.
With 9:36 remaining in the third quarter, Notre Dame's lead has shrunk to 20-10.
Notre Dame Forces Fumble, Sets Up Scoring Opportunity
Defensive lineman RJ Oben came off the edge to strip the ball from Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, creating a key turnover for Notre Dame. Junior Tuihalamaka recovered the fumble, giving the Irish a chance to capitalize before halftime.
Mitch Jeter's Field Goal Puts Notre Dame Ahead at Halftime
Notre Dame’s offense found its footing late in the first half, setting up Mitch Jeter for a 48-yard field goal to give the Irish a 6-3 lead at the break. The drive was sparked by a crucial 10-yard run from Riley Leonard, following an 11-yard sack by Georgia's Smael Mondon Jr.
Punts Highlight Offensive Struggles
Neither offense could find a rhythm late in the second quarter, with both teams trading punts. Notre Dame regained possession at its own 38-yard line with the score tied 3-3 and just under three minutes left in the half.
Notre Dame Defense Allows Big Play After Sack
Despite a strong effort from Junior Tuihalamaka, who sacked Gunner Stockton for an 8-yard loss, Georgia responded with a 21-yard pass from Stockton to Oscar Delp. The Bulldogs' big play on second-and-18 showcased their ability to rebound against the Irish defense.
Jeter’s Field Goal Ties the Game
Notre Dame got on the board with a 44-yard field goal from Mitch Jeter, tying the game 3-3 midway through the first half. The highlight of the drive was Riley Leonard’s explosive 32-yard run up the middle, positioning the Irish in scoring range.
Leonard's Dynamic Run Sparks Irish Offense
Riley Leonard delivered a standout play with a 32-yard burst down to Georgia's 29-yard line. Although it appeared he was face-masked by a defender, no penalty was called, leaving the Irish to press on without additional yardage.
Harrison took Georgia's second-half kickoff all the way to the end zone, slipping a tackle near the middle of the field, cutting toward the right sideline and outrunning everyone.
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