While it’s evident that Notre Dame needs to beat Penn State on Thursday to maintain their chances at the College Football Playoff championship, it’s also a moment to feel hopeful.
In my view, the new 12-team playoff format has improved the landscape of college football. Although there are still concerns, like the possibility of unworthy teams receiving byes and the selection of less competitive teams with decent records, the overall change has been beneficial. Despite these obstacles, Notre Dame is on the verge of winning its first championship since 1988. Here are five reasons why that long wait will come to an end in just over two weeks.
Notre Dame’s Defense
This unit continues to impress by allowing only 27 points in their two CFP games, averaging about two touchdowns per game, which is a notable accomplishment. Although they benefited from not facing Georgia’s starting quarterback, their defense has been exceptional and has shown it can perform well on the road.
Special Teams
While Notre Dame faced some challenges against Georgia, there were several highlight moments, especially from kicker Mitch Jeter, who appears to have bounced back from a groin injury, successfully making all his field goals and extra points. This season, the Irish have used trick plays consistently, with the most memorable one coming against Georgia. It’s evident that the coaching staff still has more tricks up their sleeves.
Notre Dame’s Confidence
While it’s difficult to quantify, there’s no doubt that Notre Dame is playing with a strong sense of confidence. They believe they can beat any team they come up against. After defeating an SEC team last Thursday, they now turn their attention to the Big Ten. This belief in their ability to triumph over any opponent is a significant advantage for the Irish right now.
Marcus Freeman
Trust in a coach and his vision is vital, and the team has fully embraced Marcus Freeman’s leadership. Quarterback Riley Leonard mentioned how Freeman made pivotal last-minute adjustments to a play, which led to a successful outcome and even perplexed Georgia’s head coach. Freeman’s leadership has fostered a belief in the team that they can win, and that confidence is a valuable asset.
Battle-Tested
Experience matters in this setting, and while Notre Dame may not have had extensive playoff experience in the past, they now possess plenty. What differentiates them from other teams is their experience in significant games. For instance, Penn State has only faced two tough opponents this season—both of which they lost to. Meanwhile, Notre Dame is the first team to win against an AP-ranked opponent in six different months, according to OptaSTATS, and has encountered more ranked teams in the semifinals than any other team.
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