The College Football Playoff reaches a crucial stage with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish set to clash with the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. This matchup is of immense significance in the journey towards the championship.
Despite a setback caused by a tragic event in New Orleans, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, with their unwavering spirit, overcame the odds and emerged victorious against the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP quarterfinal game. Quarterback Riley Leonard’s stellar performance, both in the air and on the ground, was a testament to their resilience.
The Nittany Lions secured their spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals with a convincing 31-14 victory over Boise State and Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar delivered a standout performance, completing 52% of his passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Kaytron Allen also played a significant role, rushing for 134 yards on 17 carries, contributing to the Nittany Lions’ win.
Here is everything to know ahead of the Capital One Orange Bowl semifinal game between Notre Dame and Penn State.
Capital One Orange Bowl predictions: Notre Dame vs. Penn State
ESPN: Notre Dame has a 58% chance to win
According to ESPN’s Matchup Predictor, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish has a 58.9% chance to defeat Penn State in the Orange Bowl.
CBS Sports: Pick Penn State
David Cobb writes: ‘Notre Dame used a kickoff return for a touchdown and costly Georgia turnovers to outlast Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. It was an impressive showing, but was it replicable? The Fighting Irish enter the Orange Bowl with two fewer days of rest than the Nittany Lions, and that could make a difference considering how physical this game will be. Penn State wants to run the football, and Notre Dame is still grappling with the absence of star defensive lineman Rylie Mills. The Nittany Lions have demonstrated offensive improvement this season under first-year coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and have enough versatility to keep the Fighting Irish off balance in what should be a tight game.’
Tickets to the Orange Bowl with StubHub
Capital One Orange Bowl odds, lines: Notre Dame vs. Penn State
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are favorites to defeat the Penn State Nittany Lions, according to the BetMGM college football odds.
Spread: Notre Dame (-1.5)
Moneylines: Notre Dame (-125); Penn State (-105)
Over/under: 46.5
How to watch Notre Dame vs. Penn State in the Capital One Orange Bowl
Date: Thursday, Jan. 9
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Stream: Fubo
Where: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)
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