In a Sugar Bowl stunner that will go down in college football lore, the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish pulled off a shocking 23-10 upset of the heavily favored No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs on Thursday night in New Orleans. The Irish victory earns them a spot in the College Football Playoff semi-finals, where they’ll face the No. 5 Penn State Nittany Lions at the Orange Bowl in Miami.
The Sugar Bowl matchup, originally slated for New Year’s Day, was postponed by 24 hours after a tragic terror attack struck the host city on New Year’s Eve. But once the game kicked off, it was the Fighting Irish who came out with an inspired effort, determined to prove they belonged on the big stage.
Leonard, Harrison Provide Offensive Spark
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard orchestrated an efficient offensive attack, throwing for 90 yards and a touchdown while leading the Irish with 80 yards on the ground. But the game’s biggest play came on special teams, when returner Jayden Harrison took a kickoff 98 yards to the house early in the 3rd quarter to give Notre Dame a commanding 20-3 lead.
“That return completely changed the momentum. Georgia had just scored to make it a 10-point game, and 15 seconds later we push the lead back to 17. Huge play by Jayden to put this one out of reach.”
– Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman
Timely Defensive Stands Seal the Deal
While the Irish offense made enough plays to keep Georgia at bay, it was the Notre Dame defense that slammed the door shut. The Bulldogs twice drove inside the Irish 10-yard line in the 4th quarter, only to come away empty handed.
Georgia’s best chance to make it a one-score game ended with a turnover on downs at the Notre Dame 9 with under 10 minutes to play. The Bulldogs would not touch the ball again until only 1:49 remained after a clever bit of clock management by the Irish.
“I have to credit Coach Freeman for that sequence. Sending the punt team out only to bring the offense right back on and draw them offside was a genius move. Gave us a fresh set of downs and chewed up a ton of clock. Ballsy call in a tight game.”
– Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden
Missing Stars Hamper Bulldogs
The Bulldogs were shorthanded on offense, playing without starting quarterback Carson Beck, who injured his elbow in the SEC title game. Backup Gunner Stockton performed admirably in his stead, throwing for 234 yards and Georgia’s lone touchdown, but the Notre Dame defense did just enough to contain the talented signal caller.
- Beck’s injury not the only factor
- Irish defense stepped up when it mattered
On to the Orange Bowl
The victory sends Notre Dame to its first College Football Playoff semi-final since 2020, where they fell to eventual champion Alabama. They’ll look to reverse that outcome against Penn State in a matchup of two of the nation’s most iconic programs.
| School | Record | CFP Semi-Final |
| Penn State | 13-2 | Orange Bowl vs. Notre Dame |
| Ohio State | 14-0 | Fiesta Bowl vs. Texas |
| Notre Dame | 13-1 | Orange Bowl vs. Penn State |
| Texas | 12-1 | Fiesta Bowl vs. Ohio State |
The Fighting Irish will undoubtedly enter their semi-final tilt as underdogs once again. But if this Sugar Bowl shocker proved anything, it’s that Notre Dame has the talent and tenacity to play with – and beat – anyone in the country. Should make for a riveting semi-final round with a National Championship berth on the line.
