No. 2 Georgia (11-2, CFP No. 2 seed) is set to clash with No. 3 Notre Dame (12-1, CFP No. 5 seed) in the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday at 8:45 p.m. EST, with live coverage on ESPN. As this marks the inaugural year of the expanded College Football Playoff to 12 teams, the stakes are significant—the winner will move on to a semifinal game at the Orange Bowl in Miami.

Georgia has a storied history against Notre Dame, leading their series 3-0, including a memorable victory in the 1980 Sugar Bowl, where the Bulldogs clinched the national title. For this matchup, the Bulldogs enjoyed a bye to the quarterfinals, while Notre Dame showcased their prowess by dismantling Indiana in the opening round of the playoffs.

A key highlight will be the battle between Notre Dame’s rushing offense and Georgia’s defense. The Irish excelled in running plays, averaging 224.8 yards per game—ranking 10th nationally—while Georgia's defense allowed 127.8 rushing yards per game, placing 36th overall. Players to watch include Quarterback Riley Leonard of Notre Dame, who has made significant contributions with both his passing and rushing games, and Georgia’s running back Trevor Etienne, who recently recovered from injury and delivered standout performances in crucial games.

In the lead-up to this historic encounter, players from both teams have reflected on the significance of their programs’ legacies. "When you get two big brands together in a stage like the Sugar Bowl... it’s exciting," noted Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser, who is aware of the history that surrounds their matchup with Georgia. Georgia’s Oscar Delp echoed similar sentiments, appreciating the opportunity to play in such a prestigious venue that has hosted some of the greatest names in college football history.

Both teams come into this contest with different dynamics—Georgia’s quarterback Gunner Stockton is stepping in to start in place of the sidelined Carson Beck, positioning him to make his debut as a starter under immense pressure. Meanwhile, Leonard has navigated through seasons of ups and downs and emerged with a resilient form, determined to carry his team past the quarterfinal rounds.

With Notre Dame riding a wave of momentum after winning 11 straight games following their early-season loss to Northern Illinois, confidence within their locker room is high. "We’ve had our back against the wall... every game has been like a playoff game for us ever since that NIU loss," stated Leonard, emphasizing the team’s growth in adversity.

As both teams prepare for a thrilling Sugar Bowl show, fans eagerly await this classic encounter that promises to deliver excitement and exceptional talent on display. The winner will not only continue their pursuit of a national championship but also solidify their place in college football history.

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