ESPN FPI Predicts Major Shakeup in College Football Playoff Quarterfinals
The College Football Playoff (CFP) is heating up as the higher-seeded teams dominated the first round, setting the stage for thrilling quarterfinal matchups. The upcoming games promise to deliver fireworks, with No. 7 Notre Dame facing No. 2 Georgia, No. 6 Penn State clashing with No. 3 Boise State, No. 5 Texas taking on No. 4 Arizona State, and No. 8 Ohio State seeking revenge against No. 1 Oregon.
As anticipation builds, ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) has issued its latest predictions, and one forecast has caught everyone’s attention—a potential upset in the Sugar Bowl. Despite Georgia being a narrow 1.5-point favorite, the FPI gives Notre Dame a 53.8% chance to topple the Bulldogs.
A Rare Matchup: Notre Dame vs. Georgia
This meeting marks only the fourth time these two storied programs will face off, with their last encounters occurring in 2017 and 2019. Georgia enters the game at 11-2, fresh off its third SEC Championship victory under head coach Kirby Smart. However, their triumph came at a cost. Starting quarterback Carson Beck suffered a significant arm injury during the SEC title game, leaving backup Gunner Stockton to lead the Bulldogs moving forward.
Stockton, who has seen limited action this season, completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards and one interception in relief of Beck. With this game marking Stockton’s first career start, Georgia faces added pressure to adapt its offensive strategy while maintaining its championship aspirations.
Notre Dame’s Impressive Resurgence
On the other side, Notre Dame boasts an 11-1 record, riding a wave of momentum after defeating No. 10 Indiana 27-17 in the CFP first round. The Fighting Irish have been nearly unstoppable since a shocking Week 2 loss to Northern Illinois, stringing together 10 consecutive wins.
Led by quarterback Riley Leonard and dynamic running back Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame boasts the nation’s fourth-highest scoring offense, averaging an impressive 38.8 points per game. Their balanced attack, coupled with a defense that thrives in high-pressure moments, makes them a formidable opponent.
Quarterfinal Drama Awaits in New Orleans
The Allstate Sugar Bowl matchup between Georgia and Notre Dame is set for an 8:45 p.m. ET kickoff on New Year’s Day. Both teams bring rich histories and championship dreams to New Orleans, but the contrast in circumstances is striking. Georgia, led by an inexperienced quarterback, faces the challenge of maintaining its offensive rhythm against a surging Notre Dame squad that has already proven its resilience.
While Georgia’s defense, one of the stingiest in college football, will aim to contain Notre Dame’s high-powered offense, the Fighting Irish have every reason to believe they can pull off the upset. ESPN’s FPI prediction only adds to the intrigue, as fans and analysts alike debate whether Notre Dame can deliver a statement victory on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
With national championship hopes hanging in the balance, this matchup has all the ingredients of an instant classic, promising a memorable start to the new year for college football fans.