The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame delivered a stunning performance, defeating the highly favored Georgia Bulldogs with a score of 23-10 in the Sugar Bowl. This victory propelled Notre Dame into the national semifinals at the Orange Bowl against Penn State. The game was marked by an explosive 17-point surge within 54 seconds around halftime, which gave Notre Dame the momentum they needed to dominate the rest of the match. The first quarter saw neither team scoring, an unusual occurrence for a College Football Playoff game since 2018. Mitch Jeter’s field goal just before halftime sparked a series of events that led to Notre Dame’s historic win.

The Turning Point: A Halftime Blitz

The most pivotal moment occurred as the teams returned from halftime. What transpired in the next few minutes would define the course of the game. Notre Dame capitalized on a defensive play where RJ Oben strip-sacked Georgia’s quarterback, leading to a quick touchdown pass by Riley Leonard. Moments later, Jayden Harrison electrified the crowd with a 98-yard kickoff return for another touchdown. These plays not only extended Notre Dame’s lead but also shifted the psychological advantage firmly in their favor.

As the second half unfolded, Notre Dame’s defense continued to dominate. Despite Georgia’s offensive efforts, led by Gunner Stockton who stepped in for the injured Carson Beck, the Bulldogs struggled to break through. Stockton performed admirably, throwing for 234 yards and a touchdown, but the offensive line’s inability to protect him resulted in nine tackles for loss and four sacks. This relentless pressure allowed Notre Dame to maintain control and secure their victory.

A Defense That Shone Bright

While Notre Dame’s offense did not amass an overwhelming number of yards—only 213—their defensive prowess was the true star of the night. The Fighting Irish defense stifled Georgia’s attack, particularly after halftime. Their ability to capitalize on turnovers and limit big plays was crucial. Riley Leonard contributed significantly on both sides of the ball, rushing for 80 yards to complement his passing game. The combination of strong defensive plays and strategic offensive maneuvers proved too much for Georgia to overcome.

The Sugar Bowl will be remembered for Notre Dame’s resilient performance. The absence of first-quarter points set the stage for an unexpected turn of events. Mitch Jeter’s timely field goal, followed by the explosive plays around halftime, turned the tide. Georgia’s struggles with protection and Notre Dame’s relentless pursuit of the ball created a perfect storm that led to this historic win. CBS Sports provided live updates, highlights, and analysis, capturing every thrilling moment of this unforgettable clash.