In a thrilling Orange Bowl matchup on December 30, 2023, Notre Dame clinched a spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship by narrowly defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions 27-24. The game ended with a dramatic last-minute field goal from Notre Dame’s Kicker, Jaiden Thomas, who scored from 48 yards out. This victory marked a significant milestone for Notre Dame as it prepares for the national championship game, reaffirming their status among college football’s elite teams. Throughout the contest, both defenses showcased their strength, particularly Penn State’s, which managed to hold the Nittany Lions’ wide receivers to zero catches, a pivotal factor that hindered their offensive strategy. “We had to adapt knowing our passing game was under pressure,” admitted Penn State Head Coach James Franklin. Despite the loss, Franklin commended his team’s effort, stating, “We fought hard until the end; we just came up short.” With this win, Notre Dame will face the winner of the Alabama-Ohio State semifinal, set to decide the other participant in the national championship.
Notre Dame Edges Out Penn State with Last-Minute Field Goal in Orange Bowl
