Notre Dame Seeks First-Ever Win Over Georgia Bulldogs
Notre Dame vs. Georgia Prediction: 2024 College Football Playoff Quarterfinal Preview
The 2024 College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinals heat up as #7 Notre Dame takes on #2 Georgia in the prestigious Allstate Sugar Bowl. Both teams come into this matchup with impressive seasons but have faced their own unique challenges. Notre Dame, fresh off a dominant win over #10 Indiana, is on an 11-game winning streak. Meanwhile, Georgia is riding high after an emotional SEC Championship victory over Texas. With a spot in the semifinals on the line, let’s dive into the key statistics, matchups, and predictions for this exciting clash.
Notre Dame: Seeking First-Ever Win Over Georgia
Notre Dame enters the Sugar Bowl with momentum, having won 11 consecutive games since their lone loss to Northern Illinois in September. The Fighting Irish are eager to make history, as they’ve never defeated Georgia in their three previous meetings. In their most recent outing, Notre Dame dominated #10 Indiana, securing a 27-17 win in front of their home crowd. The Irish controlled the tempo throughout, leading 7-0 after the first quarter and 17-3 at halftime. Despite a late rally from Indiana, Notre Dame held firm and improved to 12-1 on the season.
On offense, the Fighting Irish boast one of the most balanced attacks in the country. They are ranked 11th in the nation in rushing, averaging 222.4 yards per game on the ground. However, their passing offense ranks just 101st nationally, with an average of 196.8 yards per game. Quarterback Riley Leonard has been a standout, throwing for 2,293 yards and 17 touchdowns while also rushing for 751 yards and 15 touchdowns. Running backs Jeremiyah Love (1,057 yards, 16 TDs) and Jadarian Price (683 yards, 7 TDs) form a powerful backfield duo that can keep defenses guessing.
Defensively, Notre Dame is one of the best in the nation, ranking 3rd in scoring defense, allowing only 13.8 points per game. With a stingy defense and an explosive ground game, they will look to control the clock and keep Georgia’s potent offense off the field. However, the Fighting Irish will be without key defensive players, including cornerback Benjamin Morrison (hip) and defensive lineman Boubacar Traore. Additionally, linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is doubtful, which could present challenges for Notre Dame’s defense.
Georgia: Hoping to Build on SEC Championship Glory
Georgia comes into this quarterfinal matchup with a 11-2 record, including a hard-fought 22-19 overtime victory over Texas in the SEC Championship. The Bulldogs have been dominant throughout the season, although they’ve faced some adversity. They trailed 6-3 at halftime against Texas but rallied in the second half to take a 13-6 lead. After a late Texas field goal tied the game, Georgia’s offense, led by Trevor Etienne, sealed the win with a four-yard touchdown run in overtime.
Georgia’s offense has been solid all year, ranking 11th in passing with 284.6 yards per game. However, they’ve struggled on the ground, ranking 100th in rushing offense with just 129.2 yards per game. Quarterback Carson Beck has had an impressive season, throwing for 3,485 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Backup quarterback Gunner Stockton will step in after Beck declared for the NFL Draft, giving Georgia a new look under center. Stockton has thrown for 206 yards and one interception this season.
On the ground, Georgia is led by running back Nate Frazier, who has 634 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Etienne and Dillon Bell have also contributed to the Bulldogs’ backfield, combining for 1,177 rushing yards and 17 total touchdowns. Through the air, wide receiver Arian Smith leads the team with 750 yards and four touchdowns, while Dominic Lovett has been a consistent target, catching 56 passes for 571 yards and six touchdowns.
Defensively, Georgia has been tough to break down, allowing 20.4 points per game. The Bulldogs have faced a bit of a challenge in the secondary, as cornerback Julian Humphrey is expected to miss the game after entering the transfer portal. Still, with a defense that’s known for its physicality and speed, Georgia will look to shut down Notre Dame’s balanced attack and contain Leonard on the ground.
Conclusion
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Georgia Bulldogs will meet in an exciting College Football Playoff quarterfinal that promises plenty of drama. Notre Dame’s defense and dynamic running game will look to challenge Georgia’s high-powered offense, but the Bulldogs’ experience in big-game situations and superior talent at key positions could prove to be the difference. Don’t miss this thrilling Sugar Bowl showdown as both teams battle for a spot in the 2024 College Football Playoff semifinals.
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