Notre Dame Upsets Georgia in Sugar Bowl: College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Recap
In a stunning upset during the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game held at Caesars Superdome on January 2, 2025, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish emerged victorious against the No. 2 seed Georgia Bulldogs, defeating them 23-10.
Game Overview
The game started off slow, with a scoreless first quarter. Georgia’s Peyton Woodring kicked a 41-yard field goal, putting the Bulldogs ahead. However, Notre Dame responded with a 44-yarder from Mitch Jeter, tying the game at 3-3.
Turning point came just before halftime when Jeter added a 48-yard field goal to give the Irish a 6-3 lead. Shortly after, a fumble forced by Notre Dame’s RJ Oben allowed quarterback Riley Leonard to throw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Beaux Collins, increasing their lead to 13-3.
Key Moments
Notre Dame’s win can be attributed to several critical factors:
- Control of the Line of Scrimmage: Notre Dame’s defensive front took charge, recording four sacks and applying pressure throughout the game.
- Turnovers: The Irish capitalized on critical turnovers, including an important fumble recovery that shifted momentum.
- Special Teams Impact: Notably, Jayden Harrison returned the second-half kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, a Playoff record that extended their lead to 20-3.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Notre Dame boasts a record of 13-1, marking their 12th consecutive win. They will now advance to the semifinals, where they are set to face No. 6 seed Penn State at the Orange Bowl on January 9 in Miami.
The Fighting Irish, under head coach Marcus Freeman, have shown remarkable resilience throughout the season, and their performance in the Sugar Bowl serves as a testament to their growth.
Meanwhile, Georgia, now 11-3, struggled without starter Carson Beck, who was sidelined due to an injury sustained during the SEC Championship game. Quarterback Gunner Stockton, making his first collegiate start, completed 20 out of 32 passes for 234 yards and one score. Despite the loss, Stockton’s experience will be invaluable moving forward.
Final Thoughts
This game marks one of the significant upsets in college football playoff history, highlighting the unpredictable nature of postseason play. Notre Dame’s triumph not only advances them but also sets the stage for an exciting semifinal clash against Penn State.
For further updates and a full schedule of the College Football Bowl season, visit the official NCAA website.
