Notre Dame edged Penn State in the Orange Bowl, while Ohio State dominated Texas in their semifinal, setting up a thrilling National Championship showdown between two college football powerhouses.
Orange Bowl – Notre Dame Fighting Irish v. Penn State Nittany Lions
Notre Dame clinched a dramatic 27-24 victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl on Thursday night, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship after a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback.
The game was a rollercoaster of momentum swings, featuring standout performances on both sides and coming down to a decisive final drive. Notre Dame’s resilience and ability to capitalize on late-game opportunities ultimately sealed the win in one of the season’s most exciting matchups.
Penn State struck first, building an early 10-0 lead behind the steady play of quarterback Drew Allar. Allar finished the night completing 12 of 23 passes for 135 yards. His chemistry with tight end Tyler Warren was a key factor in Penn State’s offense, as Warren hauled in six receptions for 75 yards and a critical touchdown that gave the Nittany Lions a 24-17 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Notre Dame, however, refused to fold. Quarterback Riley Leonard, who briefly exited the game after a hard hit in the second quarter, returned in the second half and orchestrated a masterful comeback. Leonard completed 15 of 23 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown, showing poise under pressure. His biggest play came with just over four minutes remaining when he connected with wide receiver Jaden Greathouse on a 54-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 24-24.
Running back Jeremiyah Love was the steady force in Notre Dame’s ground attack. Love carried the ball 11 times for 45 yards. His ability to break tackles and gain tough yards kept Penn State’s defense off balance and opened up opportunities for Leonard in the passing game.
The game’s defining moment occurred in the final minute. With the score tied and Penn State driving, Notre Dame defensive back Christian Gray intercepted Allar at the Nittany Lions’ 42-yard line with just 33 seconds left. This critical turnover gave Notre Dame the opportunity to seal the victory.
Leonard efficiently moved the Irish into field goal range, setting up kicker Mitch Jeter for a pressure-packed 41-yard attempt. With seven seconds remaining, Jeter’s kick sailed through the uprights, giving Notre Dame a 27-24 lead and effectively ending Penn State’s hopes of a comeback.
After the game, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman praised his team’s grit and composure. “That’s what great teams, great organizations are able to do—at the moment they need to make a play, they step up,” Freeman said. “Our guys stayed locked in and finished the game the right way.”
For Penn State, the loss was a heartbreaker after controlling parts of the game. Allar’s late interception overshadowed what had been an otherwise efficient performance. Tyler Warren’s contributions, along with a solid defensive effort for most of the game, weren’t enough to hold off Notre Dame’s late surge.
Notre Dame’s victory advances them to the College Football Playoff National Championship, where they will face the Ohio State Buckeyes on January 20 in Atlanta. It marks Notre Dame’s first appearance in the title game under Marcus Freeman and their first since the playoff system was implemented.
The Fighting Irish now have a chance to cap off a remarkable season with a national title, riding the momentum of a hard-fought Orange Bowl win.
Cotton Bowl – Ohio State Buckeyes v. Texas Longhorns
Ohio State delivered a dominant performance in the Cotton Bowl, defeating Texas 28-14 on Friday, January 10, 2025, to secure their place in the College Football Playoff National Championship against Notre Dame. The Buckeyes’ victory was powered by efficient quarterback play and a relentless defense that shut down Texas in crucial moments.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, showcased poise and leadership under pressure. Howard completed 24 of 33 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown, effectively managing the offense and making key throws in high-pressure situations.
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, facing a formidable Ohio State defense, struggled to find consistency. Ewers finished the game completing 23 of 39 passes for 282 yards, two touchdowns, and one costly interception. Despite flashes of brilliance, Ewers faced relentless pressure from the Buckeyes’ defensive front.
Ohio State reclaimed momentum before halftime when running back Quinshon TreVeyon Henderson broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown reception, giving the Buckeyes a 14-7 lead at the break.
The defining moment came with just over two minutes remaining when Ohio State’s defensive end Jack Sawyer stripped Ewers on a critical fourth-and-goal attempt. Sawyer recovered the fumble and rumbled 83 yards for a game-sealing touchdown, pushing the Buckeyes ahead 28-14. Texas’ final attempt at a comeback ended when Ewers threw an interception with 1:44 left on the clock, sealing the Longhorns’ fate.
Ohio State’s defense was dominant throughout, limiting Texas to just 14 points despite the Longhorns moving the ball effectively at times. The Buckeyes’ ability to pressure Ewers and contain Texas’ run game was crucial to their success.
After the game, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day praised his team’s discipline and execution. “This was a complete team effort. Will [Howard] led our offense with confidence, and our defense stepped up when it mattered most. I’m proud of how we finished,” Day said.
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian acknowledged the missed opportunities. “We had chances to shift the game, but turnovers and execution in the red zone hurt us. Credit to Ohio State—they made the big plays when it mattered.”
With the win, Ohio State advances to face Notre Dame in the National Championship game on January 20, 2025, in Atlanta. The matchup between two of college football’s most storied programs promises an epic battle for the national title.
