The stage is set for the Capital One Orange Bowl
No. 6 Penn State finds themselves one game away from competing for a National Championship in the inaugural College Football Playoff twelve team format. Penn State and Notre Dame will face each other in a historic game between two historic programs. Now, we will preview Thursday’s game in Miami.
No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions
The Nittany Lions journey to the College Football Playoff started when they faced No. 11 SMU at Beaver Stadium in the first round of the new twelve team format. Following that game, Penn State found themselves in the quarterfinal round at the VRBO Fiesta Bowl against No. 3 Boise State. Now, the Nittany Lions look forward to another star-studded matchup against No. 7 Notre Dame. Penn State has relied heavily on Tight End Tyler Warren productivity along with the dynamic duo of Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Last game against Boise State, Allar was 13/25 for 171 yards and three touchdowns. Additionally, Allen had 17 carries for 134 yards. Similarly, Singleton had 12 carries for 87 yards and one touchdown.
Besides that, Tyler Warren had six receptions for 63 yards and two touchdowns. Also, Omari Evans had two touchdowns for 55 yards and one touchdown. Besides the offense, Penn State’s stellar defense showcased what it can do as well. Overall, three different Nittany Lions recorded sacks. Amin Vanover, Jaylen Reed, and Dani Dennis-Sutton. Finally, Zion Tracy and Zakee Wheatley
No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish started their College Football Playoff journey by defeating the Indiana Hoosiers 27-17. Notre Dame then went on to beat Georgia 23-10 at the Sugar Bowl. In that game, Riley Leonard was 15/24 for 90 yards and one touchdown. However, Riley’s strength is being a mobile quarterback. Additionally, Riley had 14 carries for 80 yards. One area that Notre Dame prides itself in is the running game. Jadarian Price had ten carries for 37 yards and Jeremiyah Love had six carries for 19 yards.
Even though the run game is the strong and the heartbeat of this team. Notre Dame does compensate with a passing game. Jordan Faison, Beaux Collins and Jaden Greathouse. Notre Dame’s receiving corps is comprised of transfer portal acquisitions and recruits. The Fighting Irish also have one of the best offensive lines in the country. The Fighting Irish rank No. 8 in total defense. Allowing 4.55 yards per play and 295.4 yards per game.
Series History Odds Television And More History
This game will be the first meeting since 2007. This will be the first bowl game since 1976. Overall, the series is tied 9-9-1. Right now, Notre Dame is favored by -1.5 points. Kickoff is set for 7:30 on ESPN. Fun fact: the meeting in 2007 was the White Out in Beaver Stadium. Also, this game will mark some prominent history for either James Franklin or Marcus Freeman. As one of them will be the first African-American head coach in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
