The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will present a major challenge for the Georgia Bulldogs in the Sugar Bowl. Notre Dame has a talented roster and is riding an 11 game winning streak. The Fighting Irish have one of the top defenses in college football and a strong rushing attack.
The Sugar Bowl will played in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Jan. 1 at 8:45 p.m. ET as part of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals.
Here are the three Notre Dame players to watch for against Georgia
Running back Jeremiyah Love
Jeremiyah Love was arguably the most dynamic running back in the nation not named Ashton Jeanty. Love averages 7.4 yard a carry and has rushed for 1,057 yards with 16 touchdowns this season. Whenever the Irish needed a big play or a significant gain, they’d prefer to have the ball in Love’s hands. He also is a good pass-catcher out of the backfield with 24 receptions.
Safety Xavier Watts
Xavier Watts is No. 2 in the nation in interceptions with six. His ballhawk ability is what separates him from a lot of other safeties that Georgia has played this year. He is also not afraid in the run game as well. Watts is second on the team with 60 tackles. Watts will be looking to cause havoc and force Gunner Stockton into an interception.
Quarterback Riley Leonard
Riley Leonard was a highly coveted transfer from Duke. He has over 3,000 total yards this season with 24 touchdowns this season. Leonard has similar skill set to Haynes King, who is Georgia Tech’s dual-threat quarterback that caused problems for this Georgia defense. Leonard is a better passer than King but both are similar with their use in the run game.
Georgia has struggled against running quarterbacks this season.