3 days ago3 min read

Stakes High As Georgia, Notre Dame Meet in Sugar Bowl

Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard — © Matt Cashore - Imagn Images

On Jan. 1, 2025, college football will end its domination of New Year's Day at 8:45 p.m. Eastern as the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-1) will take on the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (11-2) in the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La.

The Irish had an outstanding performance in their round one game against Indiana. The defense dominated their in-state foe on their way to an impressive victory. Now they face a hungry-but-ailing Georgia squad, who lost dynamic quarterback Carson Beck to an elbow injury. Will the Notre Dame defense take advantage of an inexperienced Georgia QB Gunner Stockton? Or can the Bulldogs' offense shock the No. 3 defense in the nation to pull off the win?

Notre Dame Staying True

There are two things the Bulldogs can count on when facing the Irish. One, the defense is going to play fast, smart and relentlessly all game. Notre Dame's defense is led by senior linebacker Jack Kiser and safety Xavier Watts. Watts hit everything that moved last week, recording 10 tackles to lead the defense. Notre Dame lost defensive tackle Rylie Mills to injury and hope to get a big performance from underclassman Bryce Young.

Notre Dame DB Xavier Watts — © Matt Cashore - Imagn Images

No. 2, Georgia can count on Notre Dame's running game. Equally divided between running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, Notre Dame's offense is led by fiery, athletic QB Riley Leonard. Leonard accounted for over 200 yards and 2 touchdowns versus the Hoosiers. Meanwhile, Love had 108 yards on just 8 carries. Establishing the run against Georgia will be priority No. 1. Slowing down the Georgia defensive line pass rush will be monumental in opening up the passing game for the Notre Dame offense.

Notre Dame's Game Keys

Riley Leonard, QB

Leonard played a good game last week but will need to play a great game against Georgia. The Bulldogs’ defense has been their most consistent unit and Leonard’s dual-threat play style will challenge the DL on every snap.

Offensive Line

The offensive line has been great this season, but the Georgia DL will be the best they have faced this season. The OL’s ability to keep Leonard upright on passing plays and create running lanes for Love will be more critical than it has been all year.

Georgia Must Battle

The Bulldogs enter this game rested but behind the 8-ball on offense. Beck is out after elbow surgery and declaring for the NFL draft, so the offense will be led by Stockton. A sophomore, Stockton has only thrown 51 collegiate passes and will now face one of the best defenses in the nation. Expect the Bulldogs to lean heavily on the talents of RBs Trevor Etienne and Nate Frazer. This combo is responsible for over 1,100 rushing yards and 17 TDs. They must help control the clock and keep Stockton in manageable third downs.

Georgia Bulldog RB Trevor Etienne — © Brett Davis - Imagn Images

The Georgia offense will certainly have their hands full, but the defense still may have the biggest hill to climb. Not only are they facing a well-coached OL, but they are also facing one of the top rushing programs in the nation. Georgia’s ability to utilize their DL talent and depth will be essential to keeping the Bulldogs in this game.

Georgia's Game Keys

Gunner Stockton, QB

Straight from the fridge and into the fire, Stockton faces an uphill climb with the Irish’s stingy defense. Stockton will need to be a quick learner and play mistake-free football to keep the ball out of the hands of ball-hawking defensive backs.

Defense

There is no question the offense will have some hiccups throughout the game and the defense’s ability to keep the Irish out of the end zone will be monumental. Georgia's defense must play aggressively, getting timely turnovers and maybe even a defensive TD. This unit will need to do all that it can to stay in this game.

Game Preview

This game is exciting on paper. Up-and-coming head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish face the perennial powerhouse of head coach Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs. Georgia is favored slightly but fortunately for the Irish, the game is not played on paper. Losing Beck will prove too big for the Bulldogs to overcome. The Irish defense would have given the savvy Beck a few issues and expect to keep Stockton from finding any comfort.

Expect the Irish to control this game from start to finish. Prediction: Notre Dame 27, Georgia 16.