Nittany Lions Battle Fighting Irish in Orange Bowl (CFP Semifinal Preview)
- bryanportney01
- Jan 9
- 2 min read

No. 7 Notre Dame (13-1, FBS Independents) vs. No. 6 Penn State (11-2, 8-0 Big Ten)
Date: Thursday, January 9
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, FL)
Coverage
TV: ESPN
Radio: CommRadio & Notre Dame Radio Network (ND) & LionVision (PSU)
Live Stats: ESPN GameCast
Storylines
Message to Fighting Irish: Join a Conference
Penn State head coach James Franklin expressed in a press conference stating that Notre Dame, as well as every FBS team, should be part of a conference. To further elaborate, he stated that everybody should “play the same number of conference games”. (Source: Sports Illustrated)
Carter Likely a Game-Time Decision
Junior defensive end Abdul Carter left last week’s game against Boise State with an arm injury. His status has been a concern since then, but he is anticipated to play as he’s posted a few messages on social media hinting at a possible return to action. (Source: ESPN)
No. 7 Notre Dame vs. No. 6 Penn State: Team Numbers
No. 7 Notre Dame | Offense | No. 6 Penn State |
37.7 | Points Per Game | 33.7 |
189.1 | Pass Yards Per Game | 234.1 |
217.5 | Rush Yards Per Game | 202.2 |
38.96% | 3rd Down % | 46.99% |
20 (1.43) | Turnovers (per game) | 21 (1.50) |
No. 7 Notre Dame | Defense | No. 6 Penn State |
13.6 | Points Allowed PG | 15.8 |
167.4 | Pass Yards Allowed PG | 187.9 |
127.9 | Rush Yards Allowed PG | 100.9 |
29.90% | Opponent 3rd Down % | 34.83% |
57 (4.07) | Takeaways (per game) | 36 (2.57) |
Split Head-to-Head
Penn State is 9-9-1 against Notre Dame all-time, according to Winsipedia. Their last meeting was on September 8, 2007, when Penn State beat Notre Dame 31-10 at home. Penn State is 0-2 against Notre Dame at a neutral site all-time. Penn State has won the last one head-to-head meeting dating back to 2007. Notre Dame’s most recent win over Penn State was on September 9, 2006 in a 41-17 home victory.
Players To Watch on Offense
No. 7 Notre Dame
QB Riley Leonard, Sr.
Passing: 232-for-349, 2,383 yds, 18 TD, 6 INT
Rushing: 149 car, 831 yds, 15 TD
RB Jeremiyah Love, So.
Rushing: 148 car, 1,076 yds, 16 TD
WR Beaux Collins, Gr.
Receiving: 37 rec, 458 yds, 3 TD
No. 6 Penn State
QB Drew Allar, Jr.
Passing: 250-for-371, 3,192 yds, 24 TD, 7 INT
Rushing: 90 car, 285 yds, 6 TD
RB Kaytron Allen, Jr.
Rushing: 201 car, 1,026 yds, 8 TD
TE Tyler Warren, Sr.
Receiving: 98 rec, 1,158 yds, 8 TD
Players To Watch on Defense
No. 7 Notre Dame
DL Donovan Hinish, Jr.
Defense: 34 tot, 4.5 sacks, 4.5 TFL
LB Jack Kiser, Gr.
Defense: 75 tot, 2 sacks, 4 TFL
S Xavier Watts, Gr.
Defense: 66 tot, 6 INT, 9 PD
No. 6 Penn State
DE Abdul Carter, Jr.
Defense: 63 tot, 11 sacks, 21.5 TFL
LB Kobe King, R-Jr.
Defense: 88 tot, 3 sacks, 8.5 TFL
S Jaylen Reed, Sr.
Defense: 92 tot, 3 INT, 3 PD
Quick Picks: Expert Analysis
Bryan: The Nittany Lions have found more ways to win with every game they play. That fact and a stout run defense will propel them to a victory.
Pick: No. 6 Penn State
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