The game wasn’t as razor close as the spread, but it was a defensive battle just as everyone knew it would be. In New Orleans Notre Dame took on Georgia in the Sugar Bowl in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoffs. Many questions surrounded this game, including Gunnar Stockton’s first career start for UGA and multiple key injuries on the Irish’ defensive line.

Of course, overshadowing the entire event was the terrorist attack that claimed at least 14 lives on Bourbon Street the day before. Many post-game interviews began with thoughts and prayers towards victims and their families and several people said the Superdome felt like “the safest place in the city”.

It was a close game late into the second quarter until the Irish blew it wide open. They scored in the final minute of the first half and opened the second half with a kick return for a touchdown by Jayden Harrison, totaling 17 points in 54 seconds.

The Notre Dame d-line was dominant dropping Stockton three times, securing multiple tackles for a loss, and making Georgia’s run game, which has averaged 129.2 rushing yards per game, feel virtually non-existent outside of the occasional long run. The Irish held Georgia to just 62 rushing yards in the game and held Trevor Etienne to 38.

The Notre Dame pressure got to Stockton often, pressuring him into mistakes or sacks and even a fumble. 

Riley Leonard led his team with the determination and competitiveness that has become synonymous with his name. His passing game was fine, completing 15 passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. Where he really stood out was in the run game. Leonard, who was named offensive player of the game during the trophy presentation, was able to turn broken plays into positive yardage, often picking up a first down on a scramble. The Irish used him to great effect on designed runs. 

One of Leonard’s best moments in the game was late in the contest, when he launched himself into the air, hurdling a defender and landing hard past the first down marker. When asked why he is so willing to put himself in situations like that, Leonard referenced his love for his team saying, “How could I not put my body on the line?”

Notre Dame’s win over UGA continues a dominant stretch for the Irish since their early loss to NIU and caps a season of frustration for the Bulldogs. Now, Notre Dame will move on to face Penn State in the Orange Bowl on January 9. The winner of that game will go on to face the winner of Texas vs Ohio State for the College Football title. Notre Dame is favored over the Nittany Lions at time of writing by -1.5.