Notre Dame Defeats Penn State 27-24, Advances to CFP Title Game/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Notre Dame secured a dramatic 27-24 victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl, thanks to Christian Gray’s game-saving interception and Mitch Jeter’s 41-yard field goal. The Irish, aiming for their first title since 1988, will face either Ohio State or Texas in the CFP Championship. Quarterback Riley Leonard overcame injury to lead four second-half scoring drives.
Notre Dame vs. Penn State: Quick Looks
- Game-Winning Moments: Christian Gray’s interception and Mitch Jeter’s 41-yard field goal secured the win.
- Riley Leonard’s Resilience: Notre Dame’s QB returned from a mid-game injury to lead four scoring drives.
- Penn State’s Struggles: QB Drew Allar’s costly interception ended the Nittany Lions’ hopes.
- Key Stats: Penn State’s Nick Singleton scored three TDs; Leonard threw for 223 yards and two TDs.
- What’s Next: Notre Dame faces Ohio State or Texas for the national title on Jan. 20.
Notre Dame Defeats Penn State 27-24, Advances to CFP Title Game
Deep Look
Notre Dame fought its way to the CFP national championship game with a thrilling 27-24 victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Thursday night. The victory, highlighted by a clutch interception and last-minute field goal, positions the Irish to compete for their first title in nearly four decades.
Game-Changing Play
The pivotal moment came with just 33 seconds left when Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, under pressure, attempted to throw the ball into the ground. Notre Dame’s Christian Gray made a diving interception at the Penn State 42-yard line, setting up Mitch Jeter’s game-winning 41-yard field goal.
Gray reflected on the interception: “Just catch the ball. That’s all I thought about.”
Quarterback Showdown
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard had a rollercoaster night. After taking a hard hit in the second quarter and briefly exiting for medical evaluation, Leonard returned to lead four scoring drives in the second half. He threw for 223 yards, ran for 35 yards, and contributed a passing and rushing touchdown.
One of his most memorable plays was a 54-yard touchdown pass to Jaden Greathouse late in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 24. “He’s a competitor,” said head coach Marcus Freeman. “That’s what Riley does. That’s what this team does.”
Leonard’s resilience was complemented by backup quarterback Steve Angeli, who filled in during the second quarter. Angeli completed six of seven passes to guide the Irish to a field goal before halftime, trimming Penn State’s lead to 10-3.
Penn State’s Frustrations
Penn State’s season ended in heartbreak. Running back Nick Singleton delivered a strong performance with 84 rushing yards and all three of the Nittany Lions’ touchdowns. However, Allar struggled, completing just 12 of 23 passes for 135 yards and a critical interception that sealed the team’s fate.
“I should’ve thrown it away,” Allar admitted. “I didn’t execute.”
Penn State coach James Franklin lamented missed opportunities throughout the game. “There were 8 to 12 plays that could’ve made the difference,” he said, refusing to single out Allar’s late-game error.
Freeman’s Historic Run
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman, already breaking barriers as the first coach of Asian heritage to reach the national title game, now has the chance to make history as the first Black head coach to win a college football championship.
“We found a way to make a play when it mattered most,” Freeman said. “That’s what great programs do.”
Back-and-Forth Action
After a slow first half, the game turned into a fourth-quarter thriller with three ties and three lead changes. Singleton’s third touchdown gave Penn State a 24-17 lead with 5:47 remaining, but Leonard’s 54-yard strike to Greathouse tied the score.
Penn State appeared poised to force overtime after stopping Notre Dame’s initial attempt to drive, but Gray’s interception ended the Nittany Lions’ hopes.
Historical Context
Notre Dame’s win marks a significant milestone for the program, which hasn’t won a national championship since 1988. The victory also highlights the success of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff format, delivering the kind of excitement fans had hoped for.
Looking Ahead
Notre Dame will play either Ohio State or Texas in Atlanta for the CFP national championship on January 20. Penn State concludes its season with a 13-3 record and will open its 2025 campaign against Nevada on August 30.
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