Notre Dame pulled off a thrilling 23-10 upset over top-ranked Georgia in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Thursday. The fifth-seeded Fighting Irish, led by quarterback Riley Leonard, made key plays on both sides of the ball to secure their spot in the CFP semifinals.
The game was delayed for a day due to a deadly terror attack in New Orleans, but Notre Dame’s defense and offense rose to the occasion. Coach Marcus Freeman praised his team’s aggressiveness, saying “Our coaches called the game aggressive. Our players executed, put everything on the line for this university and this football team.”
Georgia, led by backup quarterback Gunner Stockton, was unable to capitalize on its opportunities, committing two fumbles that Notre Dame recovered. The Irish also made several big plays, including a 98-yard kickoff return by Jayden Harrison.
Notre Dame’s defense held Georgia to just three points in the second half, and the team capitalized with field goals from Mitch Jeter to seal their victory. The win sends the Fighting Irish into the CFP semifinals where they will face No. 5 Penn State on January 9th.
The Bulldogs’ struggles were highlighted by two turnovers deep in Notre Dame territory, which ultimately proved costly. Coach Kirby Smart acknowledged that “the turnovers are the difference in the game.”
Source: https://www.espn.com.sg/college-football/story/_/id/43264586/notre-dame-shuts-georgia-reach-cfp-semifinals