Tag: 2025 Orange Bowl

How to buy Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2025 Orange Bowl Champions gear

Grab your Notre Dame Fighting Irish Orange Bowl title gear right here:

The new NCAA college football playoff format produced an electric semi-final round, and on one side of it, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish came out on top in a nail-biting finish.

The Irish and Penn State Nittany Lions faced off in the Orange Bowl for a place in the 2025 National Championship. Coming down to the final seconds, Notre Dame took a 27-24 thriller.

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Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard put together a gritty performance. Battling through injuries, he managed to get his team in a spot to kick the game-winning field goal. With 12 seconds left, Mitch Jeter–who missed time because of injury during this season himself–connected from 41 yards.

The season rolls on for the Fighting Irish. A matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes now awaits. The National Championship clash is slated for Monday, Jan. 20, at 7:30 p.m., but now is the time to show your Irish pride.

Add to your Notre Dame Fighting Irish collection right now by grabbing the latest 2025 Orange Bowl Champions gear right here:

Notre Dame Orange Bowl Nike Locker Room Shirt

Price: $39.99

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Notre Dame Orange Bowl Under Armour Shirt

Price: $39.99

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Notre Dame Orange Bowl Locker Room Hat

Price: $39.99

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Notre Dame College Football Playoff 2025 National Championship Shirt

Price: $29.99

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Notre Dame College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Long Sleeve

Price: $34.99

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Notre Dame College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Hoodie

Price: $84.99

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Notre Dame College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Shirt

Price: $34.99

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Notre Dame College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Locker Room Towel

Price: $28.99

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We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. FTW operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

How to buy Notre Dame Fighting Irish 2025 Orange Bowl Champions gear

Grab your Notre Dame Fighting Irish Orange Bowl title gear right here:

The new NCAA college football playoff format produced an electric semi-final round, and on one side of it, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish came out on top in a nail-biting finish.

The Irish and Penn State Nittany Lions faced off in the Orange Bowl for a place in the 2025 National Championship. Coming down to the final seconds, Notre Dame took a 27-24 thriller.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop Notre Dame Orange Bowl Champions Gear” link=”https://fanatics.93n6tx.net/MAQMzJ”]

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard put together a gritty performance. Battling through injuries, he managed to get his team in a spot to kick the game-winning field goal. With 12 seconds left, Mitch Jeter–who missed time because of injury during this season himself–connected from 41 yards.

The season rolls on for the Fighting Irish. A matchup against the Ohio State Buckeyes now awaits. The National Championship clash is slated for Monday, Jan. 20, at 7:30 p.m., but now is the time to show your Irish pride.

Add to your Notre Dame Fighting Irish collection right now by grabbing the latest 2025 Orange Bowl Champions gear right here:

Notre Dame Orange Bowl Nike Locker Room Shirt

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Nike College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Locker Room T-Shirt - White
(Fanatics)

Price: $39.99

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Notre Dame Orange Bowl Under Armour Shirt

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Under Armour College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions T-Shirt - Navy
(Fanatics)

Price: $39.99

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Notre Dame Orange Bowl Locker Room Hat

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Nike College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Locker Room Structured Trucker Adjustable Hat - Heather Gray
(Fanatics)

Price: $39.99

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Notre Dame College Football Playoff 2025 National Championship Shirt

Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff 2025 National Championship Game Dream Success T-Shirt - Navy
(Fanatics)

Price: $29.99

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Notre Dame College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Long Sleeve

Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Victory Ahead Long Sleeve T-Shirt - Black
(Fanatics)

Price: $34.99

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Notre Dame College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Hoodie

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Nike College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Club Fleece Pullover Hoodie - Heather Gray
(Fanatics)

Price: $84.99

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Notre Dame College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Shirt

Notre Dame Fighting Irish College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Huddle Up T-Shirt - White
(Fanatics)

Price: $34.99

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Notre Dame College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Locker Room Towel

Notre Dame Fighting Irish WinCraft College Football Playoff 2025 Orange Bowl Champions Locker Room 22" x 42" One-Sided Towel
(Fanatics)

Price: $28.99

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We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. FTW operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Penn State football schedule: Is Penn State playing today? 

Is Penn State playing today? Here’s a look at the schedule and the games to come. 

Penn State is set for a rare Thursday night kickoff as it continues its mission to bring home a national championship. The Nittany Lions are in the Orange Bowl down in Miami, Florida on Thursday night where they will battle Notre Dame for a spot in the College Football Playoff national championship game later this month.

Penn State has bullied its way into its spot in the Orange Bowl for the College Football Playoff semifinal. Penn State easily took care of ACC runner-up SMU at home in the first round of the playoff and followed that up by pulling away for a double-digit victory over Mountain West Conference champion Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.

Notre Dame overpowered Indiana in South Bend in the first round of the playoff and is coming off a big win over SEC champion Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The Irish are a slight favorite in the Orange Bowl, but this should be a good defensive battle in Miami.

Here is a look back at Penn State’s schedule to this date as they prepare for the semifinal round in the Orange Bowl.

Penn State 2024 schedule

  • Aug. 31: at West Virginia (W, 34-12)
  • Sept. 7: Bowling Green (W, 34-27)
  • Sept. 21: Kent State (W, 56-0)
  • Sept. 28: Illinois (W, 21-7)
  • Oct. 5: UCLA (W, 27-11)
  • Oct. 12: at USC (W, 33-30 OT)
  • Oct. 26: at Wisconsin (W, 28-13)
  • Nov. 2: Ohio State (L, 20-13)
  • Nov. 9: Washington (W, 35-6)
  • Nov. 16: at Purdue (W, 49-10)
  • Nov. 23: at Minnesota (W, 26-25)
  • Nov. 30: Maryland (W, 44-7)
  • Dec. 7: Oregon (L, 45-37; Big Ten Championship Game)
  • Dec. 21: vs. SMU (W, 38-10; College Football Playoff First Round)
  • Dec. 31: Boise State (W, 31-14; Fiesta Bowl, CFP Quarterfinal)
  • Jan. 9: Notre Dame (Orange Bowl, CFP Semifinal)
  • Record: 13-2

James Franklin says ‘everybody should be in a conference’

Does James Franklin have a point when it comes to Notre Dame’s football independence?

Penn State head coach [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] has never shoed away from sharing his opinions on what he feels are good or bad for the game of college football. And he is certainly not one to back away from speaking his mind about how the game should operate. With Franklin’s Penn State Nittany Lions prepping for a College Football Playoff semifinal matchup with Notre Dame, Franklin share his opinion on whether or not his next opponent should be in a conference. And it will surely ruffle some feathers in the Notre Dame community.

“This is no knock on Coach [Marcus Freeman] or Notre Dame, but I think everybody should be in a conference,” Franklin said during a joint press conference for the Orange Bowl with Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. “I think everybody should play a conference championship game or no one should play a conference championship game. I think everybody should play the same number of conference games.”

This is not the first time Franklin has made statements suggesting the sport needs more consistency across the landscape. Franklin went on to reiterate some of his feelings about all teams playing the same number of conference games.

Notre Dame is one of the last remaining independent programs, and the Fighting Irish are the most notable independent in college football. Football independence has been one of the things the school has held dear at heart despite the recent waves of major realignment changes in the college athletics landscape. BYU joined the Big 12 last year and Army has joined the American Athletic Conference, but Notre Dame remains tied to its football independence.

Franklin’s concerns about more consistency in the sport are valid, but there are over 130 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Asking them all to play by the exact same set of rules when it comes to scheduling is a near-impossible task whether everyone is in a conference or not.

Helmet sticker to South Bend Tribune.

[lawrence-related id=52778]

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ESPN offering CFP semifinal MegaCast options for viewing Orange Bowl

Here are all options for watching the Orange Bowl on Thursday night from ESPN.

Penn State and Notre Dame will meet in a postseason game for just the second time in the storied histories of the programs, and the stakes have never been higher in this series. The Orange Bowl in Miami will serve as the site of the first of two College Football Playoff semifinal games, and the winner will advance to the national championship game in Atlanta to play the winner of Friday night’s Cotton Bowl matchup between Ohio State and Texas.

ESPN will provide coverage of the Orange Bowl with one of college football’s best broadcasting duos calling all of the action from Hard Rock Stadium.

Here’s all you need to know about Tuesday’s broadcast:

Who’s calling Penn State vs. Notre Dame?

Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy will call the game from the booth at Hard Rock Stadium. Sideline reporting will be conducted by Molly McGrath and Katie George.

How to watch Penn State vs. Notre Dame game

Thursday’s game will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.

ESPN providing alternative MegaCast broadcast options

In addition to the main broadcast on ESPN, the network will provide additional broadcast options to choose. ESPN2 will air open live commentary from Pat McAfee and the crew of The Pat McAfee Show including AJ Hawk, Darius Butler, Connor Campbell, Ty Schmit, and Tone Digs.

ESPNU will air its Command Center broadcast showcasing multiple views simultaneously with live stats. ESPNEWS will air a SkyCam view with a camera flying behind the offense on most plays.

An All-22 viewing experience will be available on the ESPN app.

Can I livestream Penn State vs. Notre Dame?

You bet you can! The ORange Bowl will stream on ESPN’s streaming platform, ESPN+. You can setup your account using the link below.

[afflinkbutton text=”Watch Penn State vs Notre Dame live on ESPN+” link=”https://go.web.plus.espn.com/Vmrv2O”]

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Orange Bowl final score predictions for College Football Playoff semifinal

Our staff shares our final score predictions for the Orange Bowl between Penn State and Notre Dame.

It is time once again for the staff of Nittany Lions Wire to lay our reputations on the line and share our final score predictions with you. Penn State is heading into a massive Orange Bowl against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal. For the first time this playoff, Penn State is taking on the role of the underdog, and the Nittany Lions have the longest odds to win the national championship. So is Penn State playing with house money right now? Some would suggest so.

But what does our staff think about this matchup in particular? We share our thoughts and final score predictions below.

Charlie: Both teams are so similar yet one just feels more like a national championship caliber team than the other. The Fighting Irish might not have the explosive downfield passing attack, but they pound the rock. Penn State’s two losses came when they allowed more than 121 yards and were only able to beat USC (who ran for 189) in overtime. Notre Dame has only been held to less than 154 yards twice. If Penn State does that, they will play for the national championship.

This game could go either way, but I think the Irish defense will put on a show and create at least one game changing play. The game likely comes down to a field goal and in that scenario I’m going with the Irish.

Notre Dame 23, Penn State 20

Shayne: Penn State has had the most advantageous path to College Football Playoff semifinals, but now things kick up a notch this week against Notre Dame. Both teams rely on stout defenses and dominant running games, but I give Penn State the edge thanks to QB Drew Allar. Notre Dame QB Riley Leonard has had a fine season, but he isn’t the passer that Allar is. It should be a close one, but the Nittany Lions pull it out in the end.

Penn State 24, Notre Dame 21

Kevin: Defense will be the story of the game as both Penn State and Notre Dame are equipped well enough on that side of the ball to make this one a low-scoring affair. So which offense do I have more confidence in? Given the style of play that will be needed to win this game, I think Penn State has a distinct advantage on the ground with the combo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. And the best offensive player in the game for either team will be tight end Tyler Warren. That gives me some connfidence that Penn State can work its way through a battle and win the Orange Bowl.

I am optimistic Abdul Carter plays, but if he is not good to go, that is a big concern for me. But either way, I think Penn State’s defense keeps this within reach for the offense to wiggle its way to a victroy.

Penn State 23, Notre Dame 20

Will James Franklin be first Black head coach in FBS championship?

Penn State’s heads coach James Franklin is honored to be in this opportunity in the College Football Playoff.

No matter what happens in Thursday night’s Orange Bowl between Penn State and Notre Dame, college football history will be made and another barrier will be broken. College football will see its first Black head coach guide his team to the national championship game at the highest level of the game with either Penn State’s [autotag]James Franklin[/autotag] or Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman.

For as long as college football has been played, it is remarkable it has taken this long to get to the point where a Black head coach will have a real shot at a national championship, the next barrier to break down after this for the sport. And for two schools like Penn State and Notre Dame with as storied a history of head coaches (Joe Paterno, Knute Rockne, Lou Holtz) to be the two setting the stage for this moment is somewhat inspirational in itself.

[lawrence-related id=52638]

“At the end of the day, you know, does this create opportunities for more guys to get in front of athletic directors? Does this create more opportunities for search firms? I hope so,” Franklin said recently on the subject of the historic moment this Orange Bowl is presenting. “I think at the end of the day, you just want an opportunity and want to be able to earn it through your work and through your actions.”

It is safe to say Franklin has earned this opportunity through his work and actions. Franklin was once supposed to be the next head coach at Maryland but got his first head coaching opportunity with Vanderbilt in the SEC. Success at Vanderbilt ultimately led to the chance to help revive Penn State’s football program against all odds. While he may just have one Big Ten title to his name, Franklin has led Penn State to victories in the Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl (twice). And now he is one win away from taking Penn State to its first national championship game in the Big Ten era of the program.

And that is not something Franklin takes lightly.

“Most importantly, I’m honored to represent Penn State and the young men in that locker room,” Franklin said. “For me to sit here and say that it’s not important and it’s not significant would not be accurate. It would not be accurate.”

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How to buy 2025 Orange Bowl tickets, College Football Playoff tickets

Notre Dame takes on Penn State at the Orange Bowl in the first of two College Football Playoff semifinals. Limited tickets still remain.

The semifinals of the College Football Playoff are just a few days away and fans of the sport should be in for a treat.

The first of the two semifinals, the 2025 Orange Bowl, is scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Penn State earned the No. 6 seed in the playoff, and looks as formidable as ever after dominating both SMU and Boise State in their first two rounds of the tournament.

No. 7 Notre Dame looks equally impressive, crushing Indiana in the opening round and then shutting down Georgia in the CFP quarterfinal.

SHOP: 2025 Orange Bowl tickets: Notre Dame vs. Penn State

Notre Dame is a slight favorite according to the oddsmakers, but most experts believe this will be a close game.

Orange Bowl tickets are still available. The cheapest Orange Bowl ticket currently costs $309, about $70 cheaper than tickets to its CFP semifinal counterpart in the Cotton Bowl.

Lower level seats for the Orange Bowl start at just $439.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop 2025 Orange Bowl tickets” link=”https://seatgeek.pxf.io/c/1205322/2374313/20501″]

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

How to buy 2025 Orange Bowl tickets, College Football Playoff tickets

Notre Dame takes on Penn State at the Orange Bowl in the first of two College Football Playoff semifinals. Limited tickets still remain.

The semifinals of the College Football Playoff are just a few days away and fans of the sport should be in for a treat.

The first of the two semifinals, the 2025 Orange Bowl, is scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Penn State earned the No. 6 seed in the playoff, and looks as formidable as ever after dominating both SMU and Boise State in their first two rounds of the tournament.

No. 7 Notre Dame looks equally impressive, crushing Indiana in the opening round and then shutting down Georgia in the CFP quarterfinal.

SHOP: 2025 Orange Bowl tickets: Notre Dame vs. Penn State

Notre Dame is a slight favorite according to the oddsmakers, but most experts believe this will be a close game.

Orange Bowl tickets are still available. The cheapest Orange Bowl ticket currently costs $309, about $70 cheaper than tickets to its CFP semifinal counterpart in the Cotton Bowl.

Lower level seats for the Orange Bowl start at just $439.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop 2025 Orange Bowl tickets” link=”https://seatgeek.pxf.io/c/1205322/2374313/20501″]

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

How to buy 2025 Orange Bowl tickets, College Football Playoff tickets

Notre Dame takes on Penn State at the Orange Bowl in the first of two College Football Playoff semifinals. Limited tickets still remain.

The semifinals of the College Football Playoff are just a few days away and fans of the sport should be in for a treat.

The first of the two semifinals, the 2025 Orange Bowl, is scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 9 in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Penn State earned the No. 6 seed in the playoff, and looks as formidable as ever after dominating both SMU and Boise State in their first two rounds of the tournament.

No. 7 Notre Dame looks equally impressive, crushing Indiana in the opening round and then shutting down Georgia in the CFP quarterfinal.

SHOP: 2025 Orange Bowl tickets: Notre Dame vs. Penn State

Notre Dame is a slight favorite according to the oddsmakers, but most experts believe this will be a close game.

Orange Bowl tickets are still available. The cheapest Orange Bowl ticket currently costs $309, about $70 cheaper than tickets to its CFP semifinal counterpart in the Cotton Bowl.

Lower level seats for the Orange Bowl start at just $439.

[afflinkbutton text=”Shop 2025 Orange Bowl tickets” link=”https://seatgeek.pxf.io/c/1205322/2374313/20501″]

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.