Notre Dame Stifles Georgia, Advances to CFP Semifinals with 23-10 Sugar Bowl Win 1-2-2025
The University of Notre Dame (13-1) displayed dominance on defense and key plays on offense and special teams to secure a 23-10 victory over Georgia (11-3) in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans’ Superdome. The Irish will advance to face Penn State in the CFP Semifinals at the Orange Bowl next week.
Notre Dame’s relentless defense held Georgia to just 62 rushing yards, forced three critical turnovers, and stopped the Bulldogs on all three of their fourth-down attempts. Timely offensive contributions, coupled with a game-changing 98-yard kickoff return touchdown, propelled the Irish to victory.
Quarterback Riley Leonard led the way offensively, earning Sugar Bowl Offensive Player of the Game honors with 90 passing yards, one touchdown, and 80 rushing yards. On the defensive side, Xavier Watts, named Defensive Player of the Game, recorded seven tackles, while Adon Shuler, Jack Kiser, and Junior Tuihalamaka delivered standout performances.
The victory evened Notre Dame’s all-time CFP record at 2-2 and marked their first win over a No. 2 Associated Press-ranked team since 1990.
How It Happened
The Irish defense set the tone early, forcing a three-and-out on Georgia’s opening drive with tackles for loss from Jaylen Sneed and Joshua Burnham, capped by Jack Kiser’s sack in his record-breaking 68th game as a Fighting Irish player.
After a Notre Dame punt, Georgia drove deep into Irish territory, but Adon Shuler delivered a perfect tackle on running back Trevor Etienne, forcing the first fumble of his career. Jaiden Ausberry recovered at the Irish 10-yard line, denying Georgia a scoring opportunity.
Notre Dame’s offense found rhythm in the second quarter, with Riley Leonard leading a drive that culminated in a 44-yard field goal by Mitch Jeter to tie the game at 3-3.
Turning Point
With under a minute left in the first half, Notre Dame’s defense delivered a critical turnover. RJ Oben sacked Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, forcing a fumble recovered by Tuihalamaka at the Bulldogs’ 13-yard line. On the very next play, Leonard connected with Beaux Collins on a perfectly executed play-action pass for a touchdown, giving the Irish a 13-3 halftime lead after scoring 10 points in just 11 seconds.
Special Teams Spark
Notre Dame extended its lead immediately after halftime as Jayden Harrison electrified the crowd with a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, putting the Irish up 20-3.
Georgia responded with a quick touchdown on a series of big passing plays, including a 32-yard score, narrowing the gap to 20-10 with 9:36 left in the third quarter. However, the Irish defense clamped down and did not allow the Bulldogs to score again.
Defensive Stands
The Notre Dame defense made a statement with a crucial fourth-down stop early in the fourth quarter. Bryce Young stuffed a third-down run, and a perfectly timed blitz on fourth down forced a short completion that fell well short of the first down.
Later, Georgia reached the Irish 14-yard line after a controversial pass interference call, but Notre Dame’s defense held firm. Tuihalamaka pressured Stockton on third down, and Rod Heard II provided tight coverage in the end zone on fourth down to end the threat.
Closing the Game
Notre Dame’s offense focused on draining the clock in the final minutes. Riley Leonard and Aneyas Williams delivered clutch first downs, including a heads-up play where a Georgia offsides penalty extended the Irish drive.
Donovan Hinish sealed the victory with a sack on fourth down deep in Georgia territory, allowing Notre Dame to close out the game in victory formation.
With the 23-10 win, Notre Dame secured its place in the CFP Semifinals and moved one step closer to a national championship.
