In a thrilling Orange Bowl semifinal, Notre Dame overcame Penn State with a last-minute field goal, securing a 27-24 victory and advancing to the national championship. The game featured standout performances from Notre Dame's Riley Leonard and Penn State's Nicholas Singleton. The Irish will face the Ohio State-Texas winner in the title game.
The 2025 Orange Bowl delivered an electrifying showdown as Notre Dame narrowly defeated Penn State 27-24 in a College Football Playoff semifinal. Held at Hard Rock Stadium, the game was marked by dramatic shifts in momentum and standout performances from key players on both sides. Notre Dame's victory propels them to the national championship game, where they will face the winner of the Ohio State versus Texas matchup.
Notre Dame's comeback victory was orchestrated by quarterback Riley Leonard, who returned from an early injury to lead the Irish offense with crucial plays in the second half. The game began with Penn State taking an early lead, thanks to a 20-yard field goal by Ryan Barker and a touchdown run by Nicholas Singleton. The Nittany Lions extended their lead to 10-0 before Notre Dame responded. Leonard's return in the third quarter sparked a 36-yard pass to Aneyas Williams, setting up the Irish's first touchdown. The teams traded scores in a tense fourth quarter, highlighted by a 54-yard touchdown pass from Leonard to Jaden Greathouse, which tied the game at 24-24. A critical interception by Notre Dame's Christian Gray in the final minute allowed Mitch Jeter to seal the win with a 41-yard field goal[1][2].
Riley Leonard's leadership was pivotal for Notre Dame, especially after his return from a potential head injury. His ability to connect with receivers like Jaden Greathouse was crucial in breaking through Penn State's defense. On the other side, Nicholas Singleton was a standout for Penn State, scoring three rushing touchdowns and showcasing his ability to capitalize on red-zone opportunities. Despite these efforts, Penn State struggled with turnovers, including a costly interception by Drew Allar that ultimately set up Notre Dame's game-winning field goal. Allar's performance included 135 passing yards, but his interception in the final moments underscored the high stakes of the game[1][3].
With their victory, Notre Dame advances to the national championship game for the first time in over a decade. They will face the winner of the Ohio State versus Texas matchup. This opportunity marks a significant milestone for Notre Dame, as they aim to secure their first national title since 1988. The team's resilience and strategic play in the Orange Bowl demonstrate their readiness for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Penn State concludes a strong season, having made a notable impact in their first College Football Playoff appearance, despite falling short of the championship game[2][3].
Notre Dame's thrilling victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl sets the stage for an exciting national championship matchup. The Fighting Irish demonstrated resilience and strategic prowess, overcoming a formidable Penn State team. As they prepare to face either Ohio State or Texas, Notre Dame's win underscores their potential to capture their first national title in decades. Meanwhile, Penn State's strong season highlights their competitive spirit and sets a foundation for future successes in the College Football Playoff landscape.
"The Irish have tied it up with less than 5 minutes left in the game!" - Sports Yahoo
"Notre Dame is playing for a national title for the first time in 12 seasons." - Carmen Mandato