The majority of the games in the inagural College Football Playoff (CFP) were largely duds.
But last night’s semifinal game left fans and viewers on the edge of their seats after Notre Dame came roaring back late in the 4th quarter to edge Penn State, 27-24.
The Fighting Irish now await the winner of tonight’s matchup between Ohio State and Texas in the National Championship game.
In case you missed last night’s game, here are the highlights.
After a slow first half, the Irish and Nittany Lions entered the 4th quarter tied 10-10.
Notre Dame took the lead early in the quarter thanks to a bruising touchdown run by running back Jeremiyah Love, who broked multiple tackles near the goal line, almost willing himself into the endzone.
JEREMIYAH. LOVE. #GoIrish
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) January 10, 2025
The lead was short-lived as Penn State scored back-to-back touchdowns to take a 24-17 lead with 7:55 left to play.
But a 54-yard Riley Leonard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jaden Greathouse notted the game at 24 a piece.
Lifetime Chap, Jaden Greathouse, makes the house call with a 54-yard touchdown to help Notre Dane tie Penn State at 24 in the 4th quarter of the CFP Semifinal. #GoIrish #GoChaps pic.twitter.com/7nuVJ2Kr09
— WestlakeNation (@Westlake_Nation) January 10, 2025
With the ball and a chance to take the lead, Penn State quarterback Drew Allar threw an ill-advised interception late in the 4th quarter to give Notre Dame a crack at taking the lead.
This was Drew Allar’s 6th interception under pressure this season.
He threw just 2 with a clean pocket.
Not many better ways to show GMs you aren’t ready for the next level.
— Neil W. Blackmon (@nwblackmon) January 10, 2025
Notre Dame drove down to the Penn State 19 yard line, giving themselves a chance at a game winning field goal attempt.
Kicker Mitch Jeter drilled the 41-yard try with less that 30 seconds remaining in the game, securing the Irish’s spot in the National Championship game.
NOTRE DAME TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 🍀@NDFootball K Mitch Jeter kicks the game-winning 41-yd field goal to give the Fighting Irish the Orange Bowl win! 🍊 pic.twitter.com/XWYEOUTMV5
— Kicker Update (@kickerupdate) January 10, 2025
Notre Dame will have a chance to win their 12th national title and first since 1988 on Jan. 20 in Atlanta.
Their opponent will be the winner of tonight’s Texas-Ohio State semifinal in the Cotton Bowl.