Orange Bowl: Notre Dame’s Biggest Threats Penn State Football Must Respect in College Football Playoff Semifinal
The stage is set for an epic showdown as Penn State Football takes on Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff Semifinals at the Orange Bowl. Both teams bring powerhouse defenses and dynamic playmakers to the table, setting the stage for a gritty, hard-fought battle with a spot in the national championship on the line.
For Penn State, the key will be neutralizing Notre Dame’s potent rushing attack, led by quarterback Riley Leonard and running back Jeremyiah Love.
Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish will look to test a stifling Nittany Lions defense with a balanced attack and timely big plays.
Can Penn State’s defense contain Leonard’s dual-threat capabilities? Will Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions offense rise to the occasion?
Here’s a look at the biggest threats Notre Dame poses Penn State in Thursday’s College Football Playoff Semifinal:
Quarterback Riley Leonard: A True Dual-Threat
Notre Dame’s offense runs through quarterback Riley Leonard, a dynamic dual-threat who has tallied 15 rushing touchdowns this season—nearly one per game.
Leonard’s ability to extend plays with his legs and gain crucial yardage has been the driving force behind Notre Dame’s success. However, the Irish are a far cry from the team that suffered a shocking early-season loss to Northern Illinois, where Leonard struggled with two interceptions, a fumble, and just 163 passing yards.
Today, Leonard benefits from an elite offensive line, but Penn State’s defense will aim to key in on him, forcing the Irish into uncomfortable situations. If the Nittany Lions can limit Leonard’s rushing ability and generate a turnover or two, they’ll have a significant edge.
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Red Zone Efficiency Could Decide It
Notre Dame ranks just 76th in red zone efficiency, while Penn State is 31st. This disparity could be pivotal.
Once the Irish enter a short field, defenses have found ways to tighten up and prevent touchdowns, forcing them into field-goal attempts. For Penn State, capitalizing on red zone opportunities and shutting down Notre Dame’s inside-the-20 game will be critical.
Notre Dame’s Defensive Anchor: Riley Mills
At 6’5″ and 297 pounds, senior defensive tackle Riley Mills is the heart of Notre Dame’s pass rush. With 7.5 sacks and 37 tackles this season, Mills has been a disruptive force up front. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar will need to keep a close eye on Mills, ensuring the pocket stays intact against his pressure.
Jeremyiah Love: The Irish Workhorse
Running back Jeremyiah Love is Notre Dame’s offensive engine, rushing for 1,076 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Love’s incredible 7.6 yards per carry makes it easier for Leonard to convert short-yardage situations, creating a deadly tandem that has propelled the Irish to the semifinals. Penn State’s front seven will need to stifle Love on early downs to prevent Notre Dame from dictating the pace of the game.
Mismatch in the Passing Game
Notre Dame ranks 108th in passing offense, which is a glaring mismatch against Penn State’s 27th-ranked secondary. While the Irish won’t abandon the passing game entirely, they’ll need to establish enough of an aerial threat to open up opportunities on the ground. Expect Notre Dame to try and catch Penn State off guard with early passing attempts to keep the Nittany Lions’ defense honest.
Prediction: A Defensive Slugfest
This game is shaping up to be an elite defensive battle.
If Penn State can stifle Notre Dame’s rushing attack and contain Riley Leonard’s legs, they’ll likely punch their ticket to the national championship. On the flip side, Notre Dame will lean on Leonard and Love to generate just enough offense to overcome a stifling Penn State defense.
Whoever wins in the trenches and capitalizes on red zone opportunities will come out on top in what promises to be a hard-fought College Football Playoff semifinal.
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He has been recognized for his work as a photographer and has also contributed to various publications including PennLive and The Weather Channel.
Brad is an Air Force veteran, coach and competitive runner that grew up a Nittany Lions fan as his family is originally from the State College area.
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