The Notre Dame Fighting Irish faced off against the Penn State Nittany Lions in a highly anticipated bowl game on January 10, 2025. In a thrilling contest, Notre Dame emerged victorious with a 34-31 win, sealed by a last-second field goal.
Game Recap
The first half showcased offensive fireworks, with both teams exchanging touchdowns. Penn State struck first with a 25-yard touchdown run by Nick Singleton, but Notre Dame answered with a 30-yard touchdown pass from Sam Hartman to Deion Colzie.
The Nittany Lions entered halftime with a narrow 17-14 lead, thanks to a late touchdown pass from Drew Allar to KeAndre Lambert-Smith. In the third quarter, Notre Dame’s defense stepped up, forcing a fumble that led to a rushing touchdown by Audric Estime, giving the Fighting Irish a 21-17 lead.
The final quarter was a back-and-forth affair. Penn State regained the lead with another touchdown run by Singleton, but Notre Dame tied the game at 31-31 with a clutch Hartman-to-Colzie connection. In the closing seconds, kicker Spencer Shrader nailed a 45-yard field goal to secure the win for Notre Dame.
Key Performances
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish:
- Sam Hartman: 285 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT.
- Audric Estime: 102 rushing yards, 1 TD.
- Deion Colzie: 7 receptions, 114 yards, 2 TDs.
- Penn State Nittany Lions:
- Drew Allar: 270 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT.
- Nick Singleton: 135 rushing yards, 2 TDs.
- KeAndre Lambert-Smith: 6 receptions, 98 yards, 1 TD.
Statistical Highlights
- Total Yards:
- Notre Dame: 456
- Penn State: 430
- Turnovers:
- Notre Dame: 1
- Penn State: 2
- Time of Possession:
- Notre Dame: 33:15
- Penn State: 26:45
Takeaways
- Notre Dame’s composure and Hartman’s leadership were pivotal in their victory, especially in high-pressure situations.
- Penn State’s ground game was impressive, but turnovers and missed opportunities in the red zone ultimately cost them the game.
Call-to-Action (CTA):
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