NEW ORLEANS —Â
Notre Dame Wins Sugar Bowl, Advances to College Football Playoff Semifinals
Riley Leonard passed for a touchdown, Jayden Harrison returned a kickoff 98 yards for a score, and Notre Dame’s defense made it hold up in a 23-10 victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Thursday that sent the Fighting Irish into the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.
Aggressive Play Calling and Strong Defense
In a game that was delayed by a day because of a deadly terror attack in the host city, seventh-seeded Notre Dame (13-1) made enough big plays and got some help from a clever move by coach Marcus Freeman. "Our coaches called the game aggressive. Our players executed, put everything on the line for this university and this football team," Freeman said. "I’m really proud of them. Proud of the way they handled the events of the last 24 hours."
Turning Points
No. 2 Georgia (11-2) was in position to close within one score when Notre Dame stopped it on fourth-and-five from the Irish nine-yard line with 9:29 to go. Minutes later, Notre Dame had a fourth-and-short deep in its own territory when Freeman sent the punt team out before running all 11 players off the field and sending the offense out. Georgia raced to match up and then jumped offside as the play clock ticked down, giving the Irish a clock-sapping first down with 7:17 to go.
Game Summary
Georgia entered the game without starting quarterback Carson Beck, who injured his elbow in the Southeastern Conference championship game. He was replaced by Gunner Stockton, who was 20 of 32 for 234 yards and one touchdown. The Bulldogs outgained Notre Dame 296 yards to 244, but Georgia was stopped on all three of its fourth-down attempts and lost two fumbles — one deep in Notre Dame territory and one inside its own 20.
Post-Game Reaction
Leonard finished with 90 yards passing and a team-high 80 yards rushing, including a late first-down run in which he was sent head over heels as he tried to leap over a defender. "We’re in the playoffs," Leonard said. "Everybody else can put their body on the line, I’m going to do it right there with them."
Conclusion
Notre Dame’s victory marked its 12th straight win and a date with No. 6 Penn State (13-2) in a semifinal at the Orange Bowl in Miami on Jan. 9. The game was a testament to the Irish’s aggressive play calling and strong defense, which made the difference in the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the score of the Sugar Bowl game?
A: Notre Dame won 23-10.
Q: Who were the quarterbacks for Georgia in the game?
A: Gunner Stockton replaced injured starting quarterback Carson Beck.
Q: How many yards did Notre Dame gain in the game?
A: The Irish gained 244 yards.
Q: How many fumbles did Georgia lose in the game?
A: The Bulldogs lost two fumbles.
Q: What is the next game for Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff?
A: The Irish will play No. 6 Penn State in a semifinal at the Orange Bowl in Miami on Jan. 9.
