Five reasons Notre Dame loses to Penn State in the College Football Playoff semis

While Notre Dame football could very well win the College Football Playoff, there also could get knocked off by Penn State in the semifinals on Thursday.

At this point, anything could happen. Every team remaining has a legit chance at winning it all. The Irish surely like their chances, but you have to believe the Nittany Lions feel the same way.

Find out below five reasons Penn State could end Notre Dame’s season in the Orange Bowl.

Dec. 31, 2024; Glendale, Arizona; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) runs after a catch against the Boise State Broncos during the first half in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

It’s not often the tight end is the star of Notre Dame’s opponent, but that will be the case with PSU. Tyler Warren led the Power Five in receiving yards, touchdowns and a few other categories as he took home the Mackey Award. He’s not just a pass catcher. He has completed 3-of-6 passes, one going for a touchdown, and has rushed the ball 24 times for 197-yards and 4 scores. Warren is going to be difficult to stop.

Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) celebrates after a defensive stop Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, during the NCAA football game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. Penn State Nittany Lions won 49-10.

An absolute game-wrecker for the Nittany Lions, the projected first-round NFL draft pick had 11 sacks this fall. The good news for the Irish is they might not have to face him. An injury to his left arm has him as questionable. A consensus All-American, even not at full strength is a boost to any team. If Carter is closer to 100%, it could be a long night for the Irish offensive line.

Dec. 31, 2024; Glendale, Arizona; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts during the second half in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Both coaches are having career years, but Franklin has bided his time to get here. Freeman just started his ascension, while Franklin is one of the longest-tenured coaches in the country. Many have called for the Nittany Lions to move on from him, but they find themselves just two wins away from a title. He has recruited well, developed a good number of his players for the next level, and this could be the year the breakthrough actually happens.

Sept. 14, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Jordan Botelho (12) is carted off the field with an apparent injury during the second quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

This Notre Dame team has battled through so many injuries this fall, and it seems like every time another pops up, another player steps up. It’s been amazing to see, but at some point, it seems like the Irish’s luck just might run out. It’s now hit the running back room with Jeremiyah Love, and while he looks like he’s going to play, not at 100%. The luck of the Irish may just run out on Thursday.

Jan. 2, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana; Notre Dame Fighting Irish players celebrate with fans in the stands after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs at Caesars Superdome. Amber Searls-Imagn Images

The winner of the Sugar Bowl was always going to have a slight time disadvantage, but when the game was pushed back a day, it became even more pronounced. Penn State played the first game of the quarterfinals last Tuesday, so it will have eight days between games. The Irish will have six, which might not seem big, but it can have an impact. Sure, the coaching staff could have been watching film, but they couldn’t implement anything with a game still to be played. It’s a small aspect of the contest that could be a big factor against Notre Dame.