The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Defeat Penn State Nittany Lions in Orange Bowl Thriller, Secure Spot in National Championship
In a nail-biting showdown at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish triumphed over the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl on January 9, 2025.
The 27-24 victory earned Notre Dame a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Both teams entered the game with a rich history but were eager to claim their first national title since the late 1980s.
The matchup lived up to its billing, delivering an intense and competitive battle between two of college football’s most iconic programs.
The game reached its climax in the final moments. With only seven seconds left on the clock, Notre Dame kicker Mitch Jeter nailed a 41-yard field goal, securing the victory for the Fighting Irish.
This game-winning moment was set up by a crucial interception by Notre Dame’s Christian Gray, who picked off Penn State quarterback Drew Allar with less than a minute remaining. Gray’s heroics gave the Irish excellent field position to set up Jeter’s decisive kick.
Defense was a dominant theme throughout the game, as both teams showcased their grit and skill on that side of the ball.
Notre Dame boasted one of the nation’s top defenses, allowing just 13.8 points per game on average this season. Penn State wasn’t far behind, with a defense that gave up only 15.8 points per game.
The contest was a true battle of wills, with neither team willing to back down. In the end, it was Notre Dame’s resilience and clutch plays that sealed the victory, setting the stage for their chance to compete for a national championship.
In The CFP National Championship Game, Notre Dame Will Compete Against Ohio State or Texas!
Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard was entirely important in his team’s win.
He stayed calm while leading and made big plays that kept the Fighting Irish in the game.
After the game, Leonard expressed his faith and trust in God during an emotional moment on ESPN,
“I just trusted in the Lord. I looked up and said, Jesus, whatever your will is for my life, I trust it 100 percent.”
Via Twitter
His words touched fans and players, pointing out the spirit and belief that pushed Notre Dame’s success.
On the other side of the field, though, Drew Allar played well despite defeat.
He threw for multiple scores but couldn’t handle Notre Dame’s pressure on defense.
CHRISTIAN GRAY INTERCEPTION
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 10, 2025
WHAT A PLAY #PMSCFPESPN2 pic.twitter.com/1Vl2V5sseT
The final pass he threw that was intercepted by Gray to end the game, Allar would later tell the media, was an attempt at trying to throw the ball into the ground when tragedy hit.
This win sent Notre Dame to its first national championship game since 2012 and provided a huge moment in college football history.
The Fighting Irish now look for their 12th title of a national championship—the first since 1988.
That victory over Penn State makes them the first team to win multiple bowl games in a single season under the new 12-team playoff format.
Notre Dame is preparing for the next challenge. They will play either Texas or Ohio State, whichever is playing in the Cotton Bowl semifinal.
Fans and players are looking forward to this championship game. They hope to end long waits for winning titles.
The Orange Bowl was more than a game; it showed the strength and decision of both teams.
While Notre Dame celebrates this hard-fought victory, they still keep their eyes on the big prize: bringing home another national championship trophy to South Bend.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Penn State opens its 2025 season at home against Nevada on Aug. 30.
- Nittany Lions coach James Franklin is now 1-15 versus AP top-five opponents.
