In the 2025 Sugar Bowl, Notre Dame’s offense exhibited both resilience and inconsistency in their 23-10 victory over Georgia, propelling them into the College Football Playoff semifinals.
The game commenced with a defensive stalemate, as both teams struggled to establish offensive momentum. Notre Dame’s quarterback, Riley Leonard, led the rushing attack with 80 yards on 14 carries, while the passing game was limited to 90 yards. The Irish managed only 244 total yards, with 154 rushing and 90 passing.
Despite these challenges, Notre Dame capitalized on critical moments. In the second quarter, they orchestrated a 17-point surge within a 54-second span, including a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jayden Harrison. This rapid scoring burst provided a significant lead, which the defense maintained.
Conversely, Georgia’s offense, led by quarterback Gunner Stockton, amassed 234 passing yards but struggled to convert on third downs, achieving only 2 of 12 attempts. The Bulldogs also committed critical turnovers, including two fumbles, which hindered their scoring opportunities.
Overall, while Notre Dame’s offense faced difficulties in sustaining drives, they effectively capitalized on key moments, particularly in the second quarter, to secure the victory. Their ability to perform under pressure and exploit critical opportunities was instrumental in overcoming Georgia’s defensive challenges.