The Sugar Bowl matchup on January 1, 2025, between #7 Notre Dame and #2 Georgia brings two premier programs to the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals. This clash in New Orleans promises to be a physical, old-school battle that pits elite defenses, dominant rushing attacks and plenty of storylines against one another.

Let’s dive into how these teams got here, their keys to victory and what we might expect in this marquee matchup.

Notre Dame’s Road to the Playoffs

Notre Dame enters the Sugar Bowl with a 12-1 record and riding an 11-game winning streak. Their lone blemish came early in the season in a shocking 16-14 home loss to Northern Illinois, but the Fighting Irish bounced back with dominant performances. In Notre Dame’s 27-17 in-state victory over Indiana in the first round of the 12-team CFP, Notre Dame was winning 27-3 with under 2 minutes to play. An Indiana score, plus a successful 2-point conversion, a successful onside kick and then another touchdown made the Fighting Irish’s victory appear much closer than it was. 

The Irish have leaned on a bruising run game led by RBs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, alongside a suffocating defense littered with future pros, particularly in the secondary. QB Riley Leonard has been efficient when called upon, protecting the football, extending plays with his legs and making timely throws to keep opposing defenses honest.

Defensively, Notre Dame has been among the nation’s best, leading in categories like defensive success rate and opponent EPA per play. With the talent in their secondary, Notre Dame can mix in heavy blitz packages and apply constant pressure. The unit will be tested against a talented Georgia offense, even with the Bulldogs turning to their backup quarterback.

Georgia’s Road to the Playoffs

The Bulldogs had one of the most grueling schedules in the nation this season, featuring battles with Texas (twice), Alabama, Ole Miss and Tennessee. Finishing 11-2 and securing the SEC Championship, Georgia showed resilience, especially in their dramatic overtime victory against Texas in the title game.

However, that win came at a cost. Starting QB Carson Beck suffered a UCL injury, leaving him unavailable for the playoff quarterfinal. This means QB Gunner Stockton, a former four-star recruit, will take the reins. Stockton has experience in Georgia’s system and performed admirably in the SEC title game, completing 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards and an interception.

Fortunately for Georgia, their strength lies in their defense and run game. RB Trevor Etienne, now who is getting healthier, gives the Bulldogs an important backfield presence that complements their physical offensive line. On defense, Georgia boasts NFL-caliber talent led by S Malaki Starks. They’re especially stout against the run, ranking 8th in opponent EPA per rush and 24th in defensive success rate against the ground game.

#7 Notre Dame vs #2 Georgia Preview

This matchup has all the makings of a rock fight. Both teams prefer to control the tempo through the ground game, and both defenses are more than capable of stifling opposing offenses.

For Notre Dame, the key will be getting production out of Riley Leonard and maintaining offensive balance. While their rushing attack will be the focal point, Leonard’s ability to make key throws under pressure could be the X-factor against Georgia’s aggressive defense.

Georgia, meanwhile, will rely on Trevor Etienne and their ground game to take pressure off Gunner Stockton. While Stockton is talented, he faces an uphill battle against Notre Dame’s elite secondary and blitz-heavy scheme. Expect Georgia to lean on short, controlled drives to avoid turnovers and keep their defense fresh.

The battle in the trenches will likely decide the game. Notre Dame’s offensive line will need to open up running lanes while keeping Leonard upright, while Georgia’s defensive front aims to assert dominance.

Ultimately, this game should come down to which team can sustain long drives and avoid critical mistakes. There could be a defensive touchdown or two in this game, and that could very well be the difference. This clash of titans promises to deliver the intensity and drama worthy of the College Football Playoff. Don’t blink – this one could go down to the wire.

Riley Leonard’s dual-threat ability makes him a key weapon for Notre Dame in the red zone, especially against Georgia’s stout run defense. Look for him to find the end zone on the ground in a game where every score will matter.

Our Pick: Riley Leonard to Score 1+ Touchdown