Grading the Irish: High marks for Notre Dame football in Sugar Bowl conquest of Georgia

Posted by author January 3, 2025 Football

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NEW ORLEANS — Running its winning streak against SEC competition to three games, surging Notre Dame football outlasted second-seeded Georgia, 23-10, on Thursday night at the Caesars Superdome.

It was Notre Dame’s first win against Georgia in four all-time meetings.

Notching its 12^th straight win since that Week 2 loss to Northern Illinois, Notre Dame (13-1) advanced to the Jan. 9 Orange Bowl against No. 6 seed Penn State (13-2). The Nittany Lions, 31-14 winners over Boise State on New Year’s Eve, will take the field with two extra days of rest.

Offense: B

Riley Leonard’s first four rushes resulted in first downs, even though he didn’t carry until Notre Dame’s 11^th offensive snap. The rest of the rushing game started slowly (eight carries, 25 yards in the first half). Jordan Faison’s quickness gave Georgia problems from the outset. Beaux Collins caught the game’s first touchdown, 13-yard post.

Defense: A

Two forced fumbles in the first half proved vital: Adon Shuler’s red-zone hit on Trevor Etienne (Jaiden Ausberry recovering) and RJ Oben’s strip sack of Gunner Stockton (Junior Tuihalamaka on the recovery) at the Georgia 13. After Stockton hit his first seven passes, the first-time starter went 2 of 7 with a lost fumble to finish the first half.

Special teams: A

Jayden Harrison opened the second half with a 98-yard kickoff return, his fourth career kick return score after the first three were at Marshall. Mitch Jeter made three field goals (44, 48 and 47 yards) to continue his CFP hot streak. Punter James Rendell averaged 48 yards on three first-half efforts, dropping two inside the 20. Bryce Young was called for consecutive “running into the punter” penalties but still sent a message to Georgia’s fill-in.

Coaching: A

Notre Dame again won on fourth down, on both sides of the ball. Having two of the most experienced coordinators at the college level paid off with another feel-it-out first half, then a tour du force of in-game adjustments. Astute clock management (plus a takeaway) gave the Irish a 17-0 advantage in a 54-second span on either side of halftime.

Overall: A

In the first year of the 12-team College Football Playoff, Notre Dame has returned to the semifinal stage for the third time in seven seasons. Unlike losses to Clemson (2018) and Alabama (2020), the Irish are projected as morning-line favorites against the Nittany Lions.

Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for the South Bend Tribune and NDInsider.com. Follow him on social media @MikeBerardino.