Notre Dame Rallies for Stunning Orange Bowl Upset!

Notre Dame secured a thrilling victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl semifinal, winning 27-24. The game took place at Hard Rock Stadium and featured intense competition between two top-five defenses. This win propels the Fighting Irish into the national championship game.

The game began with Penn State striking first, as Ryan Barker booted a 20-yard field goal. Nicholas Singleton soon added to the Nittany Lions’ lead with a rushing touchdown, making it 10-0. Notre Dame struggled early, even losing quarterback Riley Leonard to an injury that initially sidelined him for part of the game.

Despite the adversity, Leonard returned and sparked the Irish offense. He orchestrated crucial drives, first tying the game in the third quarter with a three-yard touchdown run. The fourth quarter brought dramatic twists, with Jeremiyah Love pushing Notre Dame ahead 17-10 before Penn State fought back.

Singleton continued to shine for the Nittany Lions, notching his third rushing touchdown of the game. This gave Penn State a brief 24-17 lead into the latter stages of the fourth quarter. However, the Fighting Irish refused to back down.

Leonard connected with Jaden Greathouse for a 54-yard touchdown on a perfectly timed play that knotted the score at 24-24. The atmosphere grew electric as Penn State attempted to regain the upper hand. A key interception by Notre Dame’s Christian Gray shifted momentum back to the Irish.

Mitch Jeter delivered a remarkable 41-yard field goal with just seven seconds on the clock, sealing the victory for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish finished the game with a record of 14-1, while Penn State concluded its season at 13-3. The stage is now set for Notre Dame to face either Ohio State or Texas in the championship.