Penn State Throws Away Orange Bowl Against Notre Dame

Penn State's season came to an end following a 27-24 nail-biter against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal. At the Orange Bowl in Miami, two of the country's most prestigious programs delivered an exciting performance as they competed for the chance to play for the National Championship. For Notre Dame, it's now a chance to win the national title for the first time since 1988. For Penn State, a long offseason beginning marked by "what-ifs" looms, as the Nittany Lions throw away their opportunity at a national title.

However, the demons came back as Allar threw his first interception of the game, a poor one at that, in Penn State territory with 33 seconds left in the fourth quarter. With that turnover, Penn state essentially gave up their chance at the national title as Notre Dame ended up kicking the game-winning field goal. Allar did not complete a pass to a wide receiver in this game and had his worst performance of the season statistically.

There were several major takeaways from Penn State's loss to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

Causing an injury. Alluding to the importance of controlling the line of scrimmage in this game, at halftime Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman commented “We’ve got to run the ball and stop the run.” The game was tied at 10 going into the final quarter. Interestingly, the decisive fourth quarter saw more aggressive game plans and the defensive struggle come out the window.

Playing Through Injuries

was taking care of a hurt left arm.

Before the game, Freeman said about Love: "As long as he can go, we're going to play him." However, Love started off slow and struggled early on. Penn State's defense was more physically tough than expected, and the injuries to the offensive line made it even tougher for Love to overcome his injured knee. In the first half, Love only managed 10 yards on three carries. Like the game itself, the second half was a different story for Love. At the end of the game, Love persevered and wouldn't give up, as evidenced by his two-yard run in the fourth quarter which symbolized the team's never-say-die spirit.

Returned to the field after a brief absence due to a hard hit from the sidelines, but soon rejoined the game. But in the final game of his Penn State career, Warren reached another remarkable mark, becoming only the fourth tight end to catch 100 passes in a single season.

Life of Riley

Another key player who was sidelined for some time due to an injury was Leonard. As Notre Dame's starting quarterback, Leonard is a dual threat - he's capable of running with the ball and throwing it. He struggled at first with the physicality and Penn State's pass rush since transferring from Duke. However, just before halftime, Leonard took a hard hit and stumbled while getting to his feet - he then left the game. Backup quarterback Steve Angeli took over and led the team to a field goal attempt right before the break.

Leonard came back for the start of the second half. That was accompanied by a surge of energy and renewed confidence for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish marched right down the field with their first drive of the second half to tie the game. Leonard made a 36-yard pass and finished the drive with a three-yard touchdown.

Penn State took the lead with 24-17 with a successful scoring opportunity resulting from a turnover in the fourth quarter, secured by picking off Leonard. Leonard evened the score with a 54-yard touchdown play. A key characteristic of Leonard was making crucial plays at the end. After the game, Freeman observed, “He’s a competitor and competitors find a way to win.”

Game Recap: Penn State Falls Short in Orange Bowl Against Notre Dame

Offense

Completed 12 of 23 passes for 135 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception against ~. Notre Dame's passer completed 15 of 23 for 223 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. The backup quarterback completed six of seven for 44 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions.

The player rushed for 82 yards in 19 attempts. Notre Dame's running game was led by Love, who accumulated 45 yards on 11 carries and scored a touchdown. Leonard also contributed with 18 carries, netting 35 yards and scoring a touchdown.

The team leader had a game-high 105 yards on seven receptions with a touchdown, and Aneyas Williams had five catches for 66 yards.

Defense/Special Teams

The Penn State team was led by Wheatley, who had 16 tackles and an interception. Dennis-Sutton also had a strong performance with two sacks and an interception. Carter and Izzard each contributed a sack for Penn State as well. For Notre Dame, Jack Kiser had a team-high 10 tackles, while Heard and Burnham each added a sack. Gray also had an interception for Notre Dame.

Punted the ball four times per game, averaging 39.3 yards per punt.

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