Orange Bowl: 3 Early Thoughts on Penn State Football vs. Notre Dame in College Football Playoff Semifinal

Penn State Football’s win against the Boise State Broncos continued their undefeated record in the Fiesta Bowl and moved them one step closer to the National Championship.

After Notre Dame defeated Gunner Stockton-led Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, Penn State‘s semi-final matchup was determined. Notre Dame has had a relatively quiet season, considering the success they’ve had.

The Irish did, however, lose to NIU 16-14. They’re beatable, but not to be taken lightly. Here are 3 quick thoughts on the semi-final matchup between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Penn State v. Notre Dame History

According to Winsipedia, Penn State and Notre Dame have played 19 times, with a beautifully poetic split between the teams at 9 wins for the Nittany Lions, 9 wins for the Fighting Irish, and 1 tie.

Penn State Football owns the current win streak, at 1 win in 2007. Their earliest matchup was way back in 1913, making this one of the more historic series in college football. Notre Dame also defeated Penn State in 1976 in the Gator Bowl, the only bowl game between these two teams.

Can We Finally Stop Saying James Franklin Can’t Win Big Games?

Seriously though, can we please stop?

I’ve personally given an argument for the games against SMU and Boise State being “big games” simply because one was a home game and one was against a one-man offense. But, Penn State has some serious momentum. Boise State stuck around in the second and third quarter of the Fiesta Bowl, but Penn State dominated for most of the game. SMU didn’t even stick around. This team is dangerous, and they’re still 1.5-point underdogs. Don’t count them out.

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Penn State Is Showing Up As A Team

One of the things that has been the most impressive about this Penn State team is that they show up as a team.

This was on display in the Fiesta Bowl when Abdul Carter left the game with an injury. He’s been a stud all year long and is a sure-fire high draft pick.

Yet, when Carter went out, other defenders stepped up to help stop Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty. It’s a good thing, too, because it took multiple defenders to get Jeanty to the ground.

This team has big stars in Carter and TE Tyler Warren, but players at other skill positions always step up when necessary to make the big play. It’s obvious that players are taking notice, as Penn State has landed some big recruits and transfers this season. if you haven’t already, now is the time to jump on the bandwagon, because the future is promising.

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