No. 2 Georgia Takes on No. 7 Notre Dame in Sugar Bowl Thriller

It’s a showdown in New Orleans as No. 2 Georgia squares off against No. 7 Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl—a College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup with everything on the line. Both teams have their own unique challenges heading into this game, but one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be a fight.

Georgia’s Big Quarterback Change

Georgia (11-2) has been dealt a curveball with starting quarterback Carson Beck out due to a season-ending elbow injury. That means sophomore Gunner Stockton is stepping into the spotlight.

Stockton got some action in Georgia’s gritty 22-19 overtime win against Texas in the SEC Championship Game. He completed 12 of 16 passes for 71 yards and an interception in that game, helping secure Georgia’s playoff spot and a first-round bye. Now, the Bulldogs’ season rests on his shoulders.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart isn’t looking to overhaul the game plan, even with Stockton under center. “We are who we are,” Smart said. Instead, they’ve focused on giving Stockton as many reps as possible to get him comfortable with the first team.

Stockton will lean on Georgia’s strong supporting cast, including freshman running back Nate Frazier, who’s racked up 634 rushing yards and eight touchdowns this season.

“He’s competitive, athletic, and can extend plays with his legs, he runs their offense well.”
Marcus Freeman.

Notre Dame Brings Momentum

The Fighting Irish (12-1) are coming off an impressive 27-17 win over Indiana in the first round of the playoffs. That victory extended Notre Dame’s win streak to 11 games, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.

Quarterback Riley Leonard is at the heart of their offense, throwing for 2,293 yards and 17 touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, running back Jeremiyah Love is a game-changer, averaging 7.4 yards per carry with 1,057 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.

But Notre Dame’s defense has taken a hit. Defensive tackle Rylie Mills is out for the season after a knee injury, which leaves a big hole in their defensive front. Mills had 7 ½ sacks this season and was a key playmaker. The Irish are already without preseason All-American cornerback Benjamin Morrison, who suffered a hip injury earlier this season.

Freeman remains optimistic, though, saying, “We’ve had guys step up all year, and I’m confident they’ll do it again.”

What to Watch For

This game features two powerhouse programs with contrasting narratives:

Gunner Stockton’s Big Moment: Stockton’s ability to manage the pressure and stay poised will be key for Georgia. His mobility could also be an X-factor.
Jeremiyah Love’s Explosiveness: Notre Dame’s star running back can break open the game with his speed and vision. Georgia’s defense will need to stay disciplined.
Coaching Strategies: With Freeman navigating a short turnaround and Smart managing a team coming off an extended break, preparation could make all the difference.

The Playoff Format Twist

This year’s expanded 12-team playoff has created a new dynamic. Georgia’s extended layoff could either help with preparation or leave them rusty. “It’s hard to keep players in game shape with this much time off,” Smart admitted.

For Notre Dame, the challenge is the opposite—they’ve had little time to rest after their first-round win. Freeman described it as “bowl game prep meets playoff intensity,” emphasizing the need for quick adjustments.

Final Thoughts

Georgia has the talent and depth to overcome the loss of their starting quarterback, but Notre Dame is riding high with momentum and a balanced attack. Both teams have plenty to prove in this high-stakes matchup.

Can Gunner Stockton rise to the occasion and lead the Bulldogs to a semifinal spot? Or will Notre Dame’s experience and offensive firepower be too much to handle? One thing’s for sure—this game is a must-watch.

Georgia Bulldogs vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Picks and Predictions January 1st 2025