Notre Dame vs. Penn State: Predictions, odds, how to watch Orange Bowl CFP semifinal
The College Football Playoff reaches a crucial juncture in a handful of days as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish gear up to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Despite a delay because of the deadly tragedy in New Orleans, the Fighting Irish showed their indomitable spirit by overpowering the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP quarterfinal game. Quarterback Riley Leonard's impact as both a passer and a runner plus a dominant defense were the catalyst for Notre Dame to continue its quest to the national championship.
The Nittany Lions earned a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals with a convincing 31-14 victory over Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty and Boise State. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar, who threw three touchdown passes against the Broncos, was a key factor in the quarterfinal win.
Now the teams move onto Miami, one step closer to competing for a national championship. Here is everything to know ahead of the semifinal game between Notre Dame and Penn State in the Capital One Orange Bowl.
Capital One Orange Bowl predictions: Notre Dame vs. Penn State
ESPN: Notre Dame has a 58% chance to win
According to ESPN's Matchup Predictor, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish has a 58.9% chance to defeat Penn State in the Orange Bowl.
CBS Sports: Pick Penn State
David Cobb writes: "Notre Dame used a kickoff return for a touchdown and costly Georgia turnovers to outlast Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. It was an impressive showing, but was it replicable? The Fighting Irish enter the Orange Bowl with two fewer days of rest than the Nittany Lions, and that could make a difference considering how physical this game will be. Penn State wants to run the football, and Notre Dame is still grappling with the absence of star defensive lineman Rylie Mills. The Nittany Lions have demonstrated offensive improvement this season under first-year coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and have enough versatility to keep the Fighting Irish off balance in what should be a tight game."
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Capital One Orange Bowl odds, lines: Notre Dame vs. Penn State
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are favorites to defeat the Penn State Nittany Lions, according to BetMGM.
Odds as of evening of Sunday, Jan. 5
- Spread: Notre Dame (-1.5)
- Moneylines: Notre Dame (-125); Penn State (+105)
- Over/under: 46.5
How to watch Notre Dame vs. Penn State in the Capital One Orange Bowl
- Date: Thursday, Jan. 9
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo
- Where: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)
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