Notre Dame’s Late-Game Magic Punches Ticket To The National Championship
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- William D
- January 10, 2025
In a thrilling Orange Bowl game, Notre Dame defeated Penn State 27–24 in a performance that will go down in history. The Fighting Irish earned their place in the College Football Playoff National Championship by displaying tenacity, resolve, and poise under duress.
Dramatic momentum changes and critical plays characterized the game, which ended with a field goal in the final seconds that threw Notre Dame supporters into a frenzy.
With only eight seconds remaining, kicker Mitch Jeter calmly made a 41-yard field goal to complete the victory, making him the night’s hero. Late in the fourth quarter, Notre Dame’s defense intercepted Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, giving the Irish a final chance to win the game, and Jeter’s kick followed.
Jeter and his teammates’ accuracy and composure in the final seconds of the game will surely go down as one of the greatest in Notre Dame football history.
In addition to its dramatic ending, this victory was significant because it secured Notre Dame’s place in the national title game. The Fighting Irish are currently one victory away from ultimate glory after a season that has been rather unpredictable.
The team’s triumph over Penn State demonstrated their capacity to persevere in the face of difficulty and perform well under pressure.
Notre Dame is extremely confident as the national championship game approaches. The team’s championship potential was demonstrated by the Orange Bowl triumph, which also demonstrated that they possess the talent and tenacity to contend with the top college football teams.
The Fighting Irish will now get ready for their matchup against Texas or Ohio State on January 20 in hopes of winning the biggest reward to top off their amazing season.
First Half: The Early Orange Bowl Action Is Defined by a Defensive Battle
Neither team was able to establish an early advantage in the defensive contest that started the Orange Bowl quarterfinal between Notre Dame and Penn State. During a large portion of the first quarter, both teams traded punts, with defenses remaining strong and putting offenses in challenging situations.
Both teams played cautiously, hoping to avoid costly errors in the first few minutes, demonstrating the enormous stakes of the College Football Playoff.
Late in the first quarter, Penn State’s defense intercepted Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard, setting up the game’s first significant play. The Nittany Lions gained momentum after the turnover and took advantage of it by systematically driving deep into Notre Dame territory.
The Nittany Lions gained momentum after the turnover and took advantage of it by systematically driving deep into Notre Dame territory. The tone for a fierce duel was established early on as Penn State completed a short field goal to take a 3-0 lead, despite the Irish defense holding firm near the goal line.
Building on that momentum, Penn State demonstrated their physicality and game control in the second quarter with a spectacular 15-play, 90-yard drive.
The Nittany Lions dominated the time and found the end zone for the game’s first touchdown, increasing their advantage to 10-0, by combining power runs and accurate throwing. The pressure was increasing at this point, as Notre Dame’s offense was still struggling to find rhythm.
Backup quarterback Steve Angelli filled in for starter quarterback Riley Leonard, who was briefly sidelined for a concussion check. Angelli gave the Fighting Irish a much-needed boost. Using short passes and calm poise, Angelli led a crucial drive late in the half that resulted in a field goal for Notre Dame.
Despite a difficult first half, the Fighting Irish were still within striking distance as the score reduced Penn State’s advantage to 10-3 at the intermission.
WE ARE HEADED TO THE 2025 COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP ☘️
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) January 10, 2025
SEE YA IN ATLANTA #GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/aTu3hHgl0V
Second Half: Orange Bowl Drama and Momentum Changes
Riley Leonard, the quarterback for Notre Dame, returned from a concussion check to spark the Fighting Irish offense in the second half of the Orange Bowl. Leonard quickly established himself after a quiet first half by masterminding an incredible 75-yard scoring drive.
Leonard completed the drive with a quick touchdown run, tying the score at 10-10 and giving Notre Dame’s prospects of making the College Football Playoffs a fresh lease on life. He did this by combining accurate passes with timely scrambles.
Leonard led another spectacular drive, this time going 71 yards, as the Fighting Irish maintained their newfound momentum into the fourth quarter. Leonard made crucial throws and wise choices under duress as Notre Dame gradually pushed the ball downfield.
The Irish took their first lead of the game at 17–10 when the drive ended with a touchdown. Notre Dame looked ready to dominate the Orange Bowl with their offense rolling and defense remaining strong.
However, Penn State was far from done. With their own 75-yard touchdown drive in response, the Nittany Lions demonstrated tenacity and resolve under duress.
Leading the effort was quarterback Drew Allar, who marched his side down the field and tied the score at 17–17 with a string of critical passes. The game’s stakes increased in tandem with the tension at Hard Rock Stadium, paving the way for an exciting conclusion.
GOOD NIGHT FROM THE 2025 ORANGE BOWL CHAMPS 🍊☘️#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/zdlf7qGl1N
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) January 10, 2025
In the last quarter of the Orange Bowl, Notre Dame’s attack did not appear to be slowing down as the clock ran out. The Fighting Irish reacted swiftly and forcefully after falling down 24–17. The Notre Dame fans were in a frenzy after Riley Leonard, who had been excellent throughout the game, connected with wide receiver Jaden Greathouse on a spectacular 54-yard touchdown pass.
The touchdown set the foundation for a thrilling conclusion in this College Football Playoff semifinal and demonstrated the Fighting Irish offense’s explosive potential. It tied the game at 24-24.
Both teams were aware that a single error may determine the result with just over four minutes left. With 47 seconds remaining, Penn State launched a final drive, still feeling confident after its previous victories.
But Notre Dame’s defense intercepted Drew Allar’s ball on second down, sending a vibration through the stadium. Notre Dame had one more chance to win the game when the Irish defense, which had been opportunistic all evening, made the pivotal play when it counted most.
Notre Dame gained excellent field position in Penn State territory as a result of the interception, and the Fighting Irish offense promptly capitalized. In the last seconds of the game, Mitch Jeter, who had been honing his kicks, was asked to try the game-winning field goal from 41 yards out.
Jeter stepped up and made the kick with eight seconds left, winning the victory and advancing Notre Dame to the national championship game with steely nerves.
The difference came from Notre Dame’s ability to react in the closing seconds of the match. From Jeter’s cool field goal to Leonard’s accurate toss to Greathouse, the Fighting Irish demonstrated their composure and resiliency under duress.
As they get ready to battle for the ultimate prize in the national title game, this exciting Orange Bowl conclusion will go down as one of the most memorable moments in Notre Dame football history.
Notre Dame football history will always remember Mitch Jeter’s clutch performance in the closing seconds of the Orange Bowl. With eight seconds left and the game on the line, Jeter confidently went up to try a field goal from 41 yards out.
Jeter made a fantastic kick despite the pressure and high stakes, which helped Notre Dame defeat Penn State 27–24 and advance to the national championship game. The game’s dramatic finale was determined by his calmness and accuracy at such a crucial moment.
Riley Leonard’s tenacity during the match was another important element in Notre Dame’s triumph. Leonard took a severe blow and had to leave the field for a short time to be checked for a concussion, but he came back in the second half with fresh determination.
He orchestrated two crucial touchdown drives in the second half while leading the Fighting Irish with poise and assurance. Leonard’s leadership, which included his crucial passes and game-winning touchdown run, kept Notre Dame in the game and gave the Irish the momentum they needed to win in the closing seconds.
Steve Angelli, the backup quarterback, contributed well in the first half as well. Angelli took over when Leonard was injured, leading the Fighting Irish on a pivotal drive that ended in a field goal to reduce Penn State’s lead to 10-3. His consistent play demonstrated the depth and adaptability of the Fighting Irish offense by keeping Notre Dame within striking distance and sustaining their momentum.
Jaden Greathouse, a wide receiver, was crucial to the drama of the fourth quarter. The game was tied thanks to his incredible 54-yard touchdown reception from Leonard, which gave Notre Dame the boost they needed to finish strongly.
When the game was on the line, Notre Dame’s defense stepped up and played an equally important role in the triumph. The Irish defense induced a number of significant turnovers, the most significant of which occurred in the closing seconds when they stopped Drew Allar’s ball deep in Penn State territory.
That turnover demonstrated the Fighting Irish defense’s ability to step up when it mattered most and set up the game-winning field goal. The Notre Dame defense was instrumental in winning the game and advancing to the national championship game, from constant pressure to nimble interceptions.
Notre Dame won a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 20 with their thrilling victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl. The Fighting Irish will now have to contend with Texas or Ohio State in the final contest for college football dominance.
Although both teams are strong rivals, Notre Dame has the momentum and self-assurance necessary to defeat any opponent in the national championship game after their stunning semifinal victory.
Notre Dame’s clutch effort against Penn State has given them newfound confidence going into the championship game. The Fighting Irish have demonstrated that they can perform well under pressure, as evidenced by Mitch Jeter’s game-winning field goal and Riley Leonard’s heroics in the closing minutes of games.
They are a dangerous squad going into the national final because of their ability to play well under duress, their balanced offensive attack, and their defense, which feeds on mistakes.
In addition to giving Notre Dame more self-assurance, the victory over Penn State demonstrated the Fighting Irish team’s depth and tenacity. Notre Dame is more than capable of contending with the best in the country thanks to excellent performances from backup quarterback Steve Angelli and wide receiver Jaden Greathouse, as well as a defense that often made critical stops.
The team will fare well under the extreme pressure of the national title game thanks to their capacity to overcome hardship and bounce back in pivotal situations.
Notre Dame will concentrate on sustaining the momentum they established in the Orange Bowl and further honing their strategy as they get ready for their matchup on January 20.
The Fighting Irish are prepared to take on the task, whether it comes from Texas’s formidable defense or Ohio State’s potent offense. Notre Dame is ready to create history and add another chapter to their legendary football tradition as they go for the national championship.