Penn State vs. Notre Dame Orange Bowl: A Clash for CFP Glory
The stakes couldn’t be higher as the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions and No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare to collide in the 2025 Orange Bowl semifinal. Both teams, perennial college football heavyweights, are just one win away from securing a historic berth in the national championship game, shaking off decades-long championship droughts and doubts along the way.
For two programs with a combined zero College Football Playoff victories heading into this season, their paths to Miami have been nothing short of monumental. Both teams have fought their way through grueling schedules, tough opponents, and a new 12-team CFP format to position themselves on the doorstep of greatness.
Penn State’s Journey to the Semifinals
The Nittany Lions, under head coach James Franklin, have been dominant in their first-ever CFP appearance. Penn State (13-2) began with a commanding 38-10 win over No. 11 SMU in the opening round, followed by a stunning 31-14 upset over No. 3 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl quarterfinal.
In that matchup, Penn State’s defense delivered a statement, shutting down Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty, who was held to just 104 rushing yards on 3.5 yards per carry, well below his season averages. The Lions’ opportunistic secondary intercepted Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen three times, while the offense shone with Drew Allar tossing three touchdowns. Running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton combined for a staggering 221 rushing yards, showcasing Penn State’s offensive balance.
Notre Dame’s Return to CFP Prominence
The Fighting Irish (13-1) have been equally impressive. Led by second-year head coach Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame defeated No. 10 Indiana 27-17 in the opening round before stunning the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs 23-10 in the Sugar Bowl.
Against Georgia, the Irish defense was impenetrable, limiting the Bulldogs to just 66 rushing yards on 29 attempts. Georgia’s third- and fourth-down conversions were abysmal (2-for-15), as Notre Dame’s defense forced two fumbles and held the reigning SEC champions in check.
Notre Dame’s success in this year’s playoff comes after two previous CFP appearances, where they fell short. With Freeman at the helm, the Fighting Irish are seeking to break through and secure their first national title since 1988.
Orange Bowl Showdown
The semifinal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, promises to be a war of attrition. Penn State ranks seventh in scoring defense, allowing fewer than 16 points per game, while Notre Dame ranks even higher at second in the nation. Both teams have built their identities around physicality, discipline, and defensive dominance, setting the stage for an old-school clash.
The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, Jan. 9, with national coverage on ESPN and streaming available through the ESPN app and website.
Historic Stakes
This marks the sixth Orange Bowl appearance for both programs. Penn State boasts a strong 4-1 record in the bowl, with their last win coming in 2006. Notre Dame, however, is just 2-3 in Orange Bowl games, last playing in 1996.
Both teams are chasing history in more ways than one. Notre Dame, with its storied 11 national titles, hasn’t lifted the championship trophy since 1988, while Penn State’s two championships (1982 and 1986) feel like relics of a bygone era.
The Road Ahead
The winner of this high-stakes duel will advance to face either No. 5 Texas or No. 8 Ohio State in the national championship game, set to take place on Monday, Jan. 20, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Will Penn State’s emerging stars push the Nittany Lions into the spotlight, or will Notre Dame’s defensive tenacity and storied legacy prevail? With everything on the line, the Orange Bowl promises to be a battle for the ages.
