We've reached the semifinal round for the first time since the College Football Playoff moved to the 12-team format. Four teams remain, and the stage for our first battle was set in Miami, Florida, at the Capital One Orange Bowl. The combatants: 7-seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish and 6-seed Penn State Nittany Lions. Both teams were fresh off historical victories for their programs, looking to exercise demons in big moments. Neither had ever played this many games in a single season, but they handled the occasion with the respect it deserved.
Before diving into the action, if Marcus Freeman stays, he might become one of the greatest coaches in college football history. Now, let’s talk about what went down on the field!
Defensive Battle in the Early Stages
This game was all about defense. Both teams brought size, speed, and physicality, giving their opponents little room to operate offensively. For the first 45 minutes, it was a stalemate. Penn State had an early advantage thanks to the extra day of rest after the quarterfinals, but neither team scored in the first quarter.
Penn State’s offensive line dominated early, creating opportunities on the left side. Two key drives gave the Nittany Lions a 10-0 lead: one capped by a 20-yard Ryan Baker field goal and the other by Nicolas Singleton’s first touchdown. Notre Dame responded with a 52-yard drive ending in a 41-yard field goal by Mitch Jeeter. At halftime, Penn State led 10-3.
Key Injury and a Turning Point
Heading into halftime, Notre Dame faced a critical moment. Quarterback Riley Leonard was sidelined in concussion protocol after a massive hit. With the team’s season hanging in the balance, head coach Marcus Freeman’s leadership became the focus. On the other sideline, Penn State’s James Franklin faced his challenge: avoiding the pitfalls of overthinking in big games.
The third quarter continued the defensive struggle until Leonard returned under center for the Irish. He immediately sparked an 8-play, 75-yard drive, finishing with a 3-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 10-10.
The 4th Quarter Chaos
This is when the game got wild. Notre Dame’s star running back Jeremiyah Love, playing on one good knee, fought through 11 defenders to score and give the Irish their first lead, 17-10. But Penn State wasn’t done. Nicolas Singleton capped off two straight drives with touchdowns, bringing his total to three on the night and putting the Nittany Lions ahead 24-17.
Irish fans were growing restless. Leonard, who had been clutch earlier, threw two interceptions in key moments. It seemed like Notre Dame had run out of steam—until Leonard dropped back and unleashed a 54-yard bomb to Jaden Greathouse. Greathouse broke a defender’s ankles and sprinted into the end zone for the longest passing touchdown of the season. Tied at 24-24 with under five minutes left, the game was up for grabs.
Penn State’s final drive faltered under Notre Dame’s relentless pass rush. Drew Allar made a costly mistake, turning the ball over near midfield and giving the Irish one last chance.
A Legendary Finish
Riley Leonard took control, using his legs and leadership to get the Irish into field goal range. With 12 seconds left, Mitch Jeeter lined up for another 41-yard attempt. The ball tailed dangerously but ultimately split the uprights, giving Notre Dame a 27-24 lead. Penn State’s last-ditch lateral effort failed, and Notre Dame secured its first national championship berth since 2013.
Marcus Freeman’s Legacy in the Making
When Brian Kelley left Notre Dame, skeptics doubted the program’s ability to compete for titles. Enter Marcus Freeman. At 38 years old, he faced criticism and growing pains, including a devastating loss to Northern Illinois. However, Freeman has shown that belief and mental toughness can overcome the odds.
Notre Dame didn’t care about doubters. They kept fighting, kept the game close, and pulled off another incredible victory. As a college football fan first, I couldn’t be prouder of the display both teams put on tonight.
