In a nail-biting finish, Notre Dame secured a 27-24 victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl, advancing to the national championship game. With just seven seconds left on the clock, placekicker Mitch Jeter made history by successfully converting a 41-yard field goal, becoming the first kicker to clinch a go-ahead score in the fourth quarter of a College Football Playoff match. This pivotal moment not only sealed Notre Dame’s spot in the title game but also marked a significant milestone for head coach Marcus Freeman, who is now poised to become the first Black head coach to lead a team to a national championship.

The contest was a testament to resilience and strategic brilliance. From the outset, Penn State's defense set an aggressive tone, stifling Notre Dame’s offense and forcing quarterback Riley Leonard into uncomfortable situations. Leonard, already hampered by a less-than-stellar performance in the previous Sugar Bowl game, struggled with his mechanics and threw two interceptions. The absence of starting left tackle Anthonie Knapp due to injury further complicated matters for the Fighting Irish, leaving their offensive line vulnerable.

However, it was not all doom and gloom for Notre Dame. Backup quarterback Steve Angeli provided a spark, leading the team’s only scoring drive of the first half. Despite trailing 10-3 at halftime, Freeman’s halftime adjustments paid off as Leonard returned after a concussion evaluation and orchestrated a comeback. A series of crucial plays, including a 36-yard pass to freshman Aneyas Williams and a 3-yard touchdown run by Leonard himself, tied the game at 10-10. Notre Dame continued to gain momentum, eventually taking the lead with a 2-yard touchdown run from Jeremiyah Love.

Penn State refused to back down, roaring back with two consecutive touchdowns from running back Nick Singleton, giving them a 27-17 advantage. But Notre Dame wasn’t done yet. Leonard connected with wide receiver Jaden Greathouse for a 54-yard touchdown pass, tying the game once again. With time running out, defensive back Christian Gray intercepted Penn State’s Drew Allar, setting up the stage for Jeter’s historic kick.

Marcus Freeman’s leadership and tactical acumen were instrumental in this victory. As one of the few Black head coaches in college football, Freeman has already etched his name in history. His ability to navigate challenges and inspire his team during critical moments will be remembered as a defining chapter in Notre Dame’s storied football legacy. Now, Freeman and the Fighting Irish stand on the precipice of making even more history as they prepare to face off in the national championship game.