Notre Dame Road to the Semifinals vs Penn State Balanced Attack

Notre Dame vs Penn State: College Football Playoff Semifinal Preview

The road to the College Football Playoff has led us to an exciting clash in the 2024 Orange Bowl between the #7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (13-1) and the #6 Penn State Nittany Lions (13-2). With both teams entering the playoff after impressive runs through their respective seasons, this semifinal matchup promises to be a must-watch. After a 17-year gap since their last meeting, these two powerhouse programs are set to collide in Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, for a spot in the national championship game. Here’s an in-depth preview of the game, breaking down each team’s strengths, key players, and what to expect.

Notre Dame’s Path to the Semifinals

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are on the verge of making history, aiming for their first national championship since 1988. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame has flourished, knocking off heavyweights like #2 Georgia in the quarterfinals. Despite Riley Leonard’s modest performance, throwing for just 90 yards against Georgia, his 80 rushing yards and leadership were critical in the Irish’s 23-10 victory as 1.5-point underdogs.

Leonard, a senior dual-threat quarterback, is one of the most versatile players in college football this season. Standing at 6’4″ and 216 pounds, Leonard has accumulated 2,383 passing yards with an impressive 18-6 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His ability to make plays with his legs, rushing for 831 yards and 15 touchdowns, adds a dynamic layer to Notre Dame’s offense. In addition, sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love has been a key contributor with 1,076 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. However, an injury has raised doubts about Love’s availability for this game. Should he be sidelined, expect sophomore Jadarian Price to take on an increased role.

Defensively, Notre Dame is a juggernaut, ranking 2nd nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 13.6 points per game. The Irish also boast a top-tier pass rush, generating 37 sacks on the year. Senior linebacker Jack Kiser leads the team in tackles with 75, while defensive lineman Rylie Mills has been a terror, contributing 7.5 sacks. The defense’s ability to force turnovers is another key factor, as they’ve registered 18 interceptions this season, with safety Xavier Watts leading the charge with six picks.

Penn State’s Stronghold and Offensive Balance

Penn State enters the Orange Bowl with a 13-2 record, having dominated their previous matchups, including impressive wins over #11 SMU (28-point margin) and #3 Boise State (17-point margin). With an offense powered by a dual-threat backfield and a defense ranked 7th in the nation, the Nittany Lions are one of the most well-rounded teams in the country.

Quarterback Drew Allar, a 6’5″ junior, has thrown for 3,192 yards this season with a solid 24-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio. While Allar doesn’t have the same dual-threat ability as Leonard, his size, arm strength, and football IQ make him a dangerous player in the pocket. Penn State’s offense leans heavily on its talented running backs, Kaytron Allen (1,026 yards, 8 touchdowns) and Nicholas Singleton (1,015 yards, 9 touchdowns). Singleton’s ability to break off long runs, including a 58-yard touchdown against Boise State, adds a dynamic threat to their ground attack.

The Nittany Lions’ top pass catcher is tight end Tyle Warren, who has had a standout season with 1,158 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns. At 6’6″, Warren provides Allar with a large target and is expected to be a key piece in the passing game against a stout Notre Dame defense.

Defensively, Penn State boasts the 7th-ranked scoring defense in the nation, surrendering just 15.8 points per game. Their ability to shut down opposing offenses starts with safety Jaylen Reed, who leads the team with 92 tackles and has three interceptions. Linebacker Abdul Carter, who has 11 sacks this season, is another key player for Penn State. However, Carter’s status for the Orange Bowl is uncertain after he missed much of the Boise State game with an injury.

Conclusion

This College Football Playoff semifinal is shaping up to be a highly competitive and physical battle. While both teams have excelled on defense, it’s their respective offenses that will determine the outcome. If Riley Leonard and Jeremiyah Love (if healthy) can establish a rhythm and take advantage of Notre Dame’s explosive offense, the Irish have a strong chance to pull off another upset. On the other hand, Penn State’s balanced attack, led by Drew Allar and their dynamic running back duo, should provide enough firepower to challenge the Irish.

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