Orange Bowl: Penn State Football’s Reasons for Confidence, to Worry vs. Notre Dame in College Football Playoff Semifinal
The 2025 Orange Bowl is shaping up to be an instant classic, with both Notre Dame and Penn State Football fighting to achieve their deepest playoff run yet.
This game holds added significance as each team aims to go further than they ever have before in the College Football Playoff era.
Here’s why you should feel confident about Penn State’s chances of winning and advancing to the National Championship Game—and where you might need to worry.
Three Reasons for Penn State Football to Be Confident
Mental Toughness
The Nittany Lions have shown incredible resilience throughout the season. Whether down on the road, facing tough opponents, or in high-pressure situations, Penn State has consistently found ways to win. This team has proven time and again that they have the mental toughness and teamwork required to rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Offensive Unpredictability
Penn State’s offense has been difficult for defenses to predict, thanks to its diversity and creativity. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki will need to bring his A-game to create opportunities for quarterback Drew Allar and the rest of the offense. This matchup will likely be a defensive battle, where every break—positive or negative—could tilt the game in either team’s favor. The ability to keep Notre Dame’s defense guessing will be crucial for the Nittany Lions.
Dominant Rushing Attack
Penn State’s rushing game has hit its stride, averaging 232 yards per game over the last three contests against top-15 rushing defenses in Oregon, SMU, and Boise. The offensive line has excelled at opening holes for an elite running back tandem in Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton. However, they’ll be up against the toughest defensive front they’ve faced all season. The key will be how well Allen and Singleton can grind out yards after contact to keep the offense moving.
Three Areas of Concern vs. Notre Dame
Self-Inflicted Mistakes
Penn State head coach James Franklin has consistently stressed the need to “clean things up,” but mistakes continue to haunt the Nittany Lions at inopportune times. Critical penalties, fumbled snaps, or missed assignments could prove costly against a team like Notre Dame. At this level of competition, even one bad mistake—like a facemask penalty or a turnover—could change the course of the game. Penn State needs to play smart, stay composed, and eliminate any avoidable errors.
Riley Leonard’s Dual Threat
Notre Dame’s senior quarterback, Riley Leonard, presents a unique challenge for any defense. Leonard is shifty, smart, and dangerous on the ground, with 15 rushing touchdowns on the season. His ability to extend plays and move the chains with his legs makes it difficult to focus solely on stopping the run or the pass. If Penn State fails to contain Leonard’s improvisation and mobility, it could be a long night for the Nittany Lions to close out an otherwise fantastic season.
Wide Receiver Inconsistency
While the wide receiver group has flashed potential, they’ve also been inconsistent at times, with key drops and stretches of invisibility. Franklin recently called his receiving corps a “strength” of the team, but to prove that, they will need to step up in a big way. For the Nittany Lions to succeed in Miami, the wideouts must be reliable and make crucial plays when called upon.
MORE Penn State Football Coverage from Nittany Central:
- Penn State’s Must-Win Key Matchups vs. Notre Dame
- Why James Franklin Has Earned Confidence in Big Games Thanks to Playoff Run
- There’s One New, Big Reason Drew Allar May Still Leave for 2025 NFL Draft
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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.
His diverse skillset and experiences provide for interesting perspectives on the college football, and sports topics of the day.
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