In a commanding performance at the 2025 Sugar Bowl, the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish triumphed over the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs with a 23-10 victory, securing their first major bowl win in 31 years and advancing to the College Football Playoff semifinals.
Key Highlights:
• Riley Leonard’s Leadership: Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard completed 15 of 24 passes for 90 yards, including a pivotal 13-yard touchdown pass to Beaux Collins just before halftime. Leonard also led the team in rushing, amassing 80 yards on 14 carries.
• Jayden Harrison’s Electrifying Return: Wide receiver Jayden Harrison ignited the second half by returning the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, extending Notre Dame’s lead to 20-3.
• Dominant Defense: The Fighting Irish defense stifled Georgia’s offense, limiting them to 296 total yards and forcing two crucial turnovers. Linebacker RJ Oben’s forced fumble late in the second quarter set up a touchdown, shifting momentum in Notre Dame’s favor.
Georgia, playing without injured starting quarterback Carson Beck, turned to sophomore Gunner Stockton, who completed 20 of 32 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown. Despite his efforts, the Bulldogs struggled to establish a consistent offensive rhythm, managing only 62 rushing yards on 29 attempts.
The game, held at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, was played under heightened security measures following a tragic terror attack in the French Quarter, which had led to its postponement by a day.
Notre Dame’s victory propels them into the CFP semifinals, where they are set to face No. 6 seed Penn State in the Orange Bowl on January 9 in Miami. This win not only breaks a long-standing bowl drought for the Fighting Irish but also underscores their resurgence on the national stage under head coach Marcus Freeman.
