Fighting Irish Rally to Defeat Penn State in Thrilling Orange Bowl Matchup
First Half Struggles
The first half of the Orange Bowl between Notre Dame and Penn State was largely uninspiring, with Penn State taking a 10-3 lead into the break. Both starting quarterbacks, Riley Leonard and Drew Allar, struggled to find any rhythm, with Leonard throwing an interception as well. Leonard even had to be evaluated for a head injury late in the second quarter, with backup Steve Angeli replacing him. Angeli completed 6 of 7 passes for 44 yards before the break.
Stark Difference in Run Game
Despite the narrow scoreline, the stark difference lay in the run game. Penn State put up 141 rushing yards thanks to the combo of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, while Notre Dame mustered 13 carries for 15 yards, largely held down by minus-12 yards from Angeli. Jeremiyah Love only managed 10 yards on just three carries with Jadarian Price going for eight on two runs.
Second Half Turnaround
But Notre Dame turned it around in the third quarter and early stages of the fourth, putting up 17 unanswered points to take a 17-10 lead as Leonard returned to the field. Leonard ran in a short touchdown followed by a Love short touchdown that capped off a 10-play, 71-yard drive. But Allar completed two 20-yard-plus passes on the ensuing drive that led to Singleton tying it up on a seven-yard run.
Final Minutes Drama
Then Penn State retook the lead after forcing another interception on Leonard, this time being Dani Dennis-Sutton on the first play of Notre Dame’s drive. Singleton then ran in another seven-yard score following a controversial pass interference call that erased a Jack Kiser pick off Allar. But the Fighting Irish fought right back. A Love hurdle later, Leonard took a shot to wideout Jaden Greathouse, who took it to the house for a 54-yard score after being left wide open while sending safety Jaylen Reed to the floor via a cut inside.
Game-Winning Field Goal
Allar then had the chance at the final say with under a minute left, but threw the devastating pick to Christie Gray, which stood upon review. Mitch Jeter then stepped up to make a 41-yard field goal that had some curve on it, but ultimately gave Notre Dame the 27-24 win.
Post-Game Statistics
Leonard ended the game throwing for 223 yards, one touchdown, and two picks on 15 of 23 completions, while also rushing in for a score to go with 35 ground yards on 18 carries. Love ended with 45 ground yards on 11 attempts. Allar struggled to find his footing throughout the game, completing just 11 of 22 passes for 139 yards, no touchdowns, and the pick. Singleton’s 84 rushing yards and three touchdowns went to waste, while Allen also put up 82 ground yards.
National Championship Ahead
Notre Dame will next meet the Cotton Bowl winner between Ohio State and Texas in the national championship game on Monday, January 20. The Fighting Irish have 11 claimed national titles under their belt, but they are seeking their first since 1988. Penn State, on the other hand, have just two claimed, with the last coming in 1986.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score in the Orange Bowl game?
A: Notre Dame won 27-24.
Q: How did Riley Leonard perform in the game?
A: Leonard threw for 223 yards, one touchdown, and two picks on 15 of 23 completions, while also rushing in for a score to go with 35 ground yards on 18 carries.
Q: How did Penn State’s quarterback Drew Allar perform in the game?
A: Allar struggled to find his footing, completing just 11 of 22 passes for 139 yards, no touchdowns, and the pick.
Q: What is the next game for Notre Dame?
A: Notre Dame will meet the Cotton Bowl winner between Ohio State and Texas in the national championship game on Monday, January 20.
