Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Georgia Bulldogs – College Football Playoff Preview – Jan 2, 2025

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Caesars Superdome on January 2, 2025. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM ET, with the game broadcast on ESPN. Notre Dame enters with a 12-1 record, riding an 11-game winning streak, while Georgia comes in at 11-2, overcoming adversity with a backup quarterback after their SEC Championship.
This matchup features two powerhouse programs with contrasting paths to this game. Notre Dame advanced after a 27-17 win over Indiana in the first round, while Georgia, the No. 2 seed, secured a bye and enters with extra preparation time following a dramatic 22-19 overtime win over Texas in the SEC Championship.
Notre Dame Preview – Riding Momentum
The Fighting Irish are on an 11-game winning streak, powered by a balanced offense and strong defensive play. Quarterback Riley Leonard has thrown for 2,293 yards and 17 touchdowns against six interceptions this season. On the ground, Jeremiyah Love leads the attack with 1,057 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 7.4 yards per carry.
Defensively, Notre Dame has been resilient despite injuries to key players like defensive tackle Rylie Mills and cornerback Benjamin Morrison. Howard Cross III, a preseason All-American, returned from an ankle injury to bolster the defensive line in the first-round victory over Indiana. The Irish rank third nationally in scoring offense, averaging 38.8 points per game, and have proven their ability to win in multiple ways.
Coach Marcus Freeman has emphasized preparation, adapting quickly to the playoff’s back-to-back game format. The team will look to maintain rhythm while facing a rested Georgia squad.
Georgia Preview – Overcoming Challenges
The Bulldogs face Notre Dame with sophomore quarterback Gunner Stockton leading the offense. Stockton steps in for Carson Beck, who suffered a season-ending elbow injury in the SEC Championship. Stockton has completed 25 of 32 passes for 206 yards this season but lacks significant experience. Georgia will lean heavily on their rushing attack, led by freshman Nate Frazier, who has 634 yards and eight touchdowns on the year.
Defensively, Georgia ranks 22nd nationally, allowing just 20.4 points per game. The Bulldogs have been strong against the run, surrendering only 128.3 yards per game. Coach Kirby Smart has stressed consistency and competition in practice to prepare Stockton for this pivotal game. The extra preparation time could be a key advantage for the Bulldogs.
Georgia will need a disciplined defensive effort and a productive ground game to overcome Notre Dame’s high-powered offense.
Betting Prediction
Notre Dame is a slight favorite at -1.0, with the total set at 45.5 points. The Fighting Irish enter with momentum and a more balanced offense, while Georgia’s inexperience at quarterback could be a factor. However, Georgia’s defense and rushing attack can keep them in the game.
Expect a close contest, but Notre Dame’s offensive consistency and momentum give them the edge. A projected score of 27-21 favors Notre Dame to cover and the game to go under the total.
Pick: Notre Dame -1.0, Under 45.5