This game is going to come down to execution in critical situations. Notre Dame has a strong identity on the ground with Jeremiyah Love leading their rushing attack and Riley Leonard managing the offense efficiently.
The Fighting Irish defense has been lights-out all season, holding opponents to under 14 points per game and creating turnovers at a high rate. That turnover margin could be the X-factor in the Sugar Bowl.
Georgia, on the other hand, is a well-rounded team with a lethal passing game led by Carson Beck (at the time of this writing is questionable to play) and will be replaced by Gunner Stockton.
The Dawgs can strike fast and are efficient in the red zone, but they'll need their offensive line to hold up against Notre Dame’s disruptive pass rush.
Special teams might play a pivotal role in the game. Georgia’s near-flawless kicking game gives them an edge, but Notre Dame’s kick return unit has the potential to flip field position.
This game is going to be a war in the trenches. If Georgia can protect Beck and get their passing game going early, they could force Notre Dame to play catch-up. But if Notre Dame controls the clock with their run game and keeps Georgia’s offense off the field, it’s going to be tough night in New Orleans for the Dawgs.
My prediction? It’s tight all the way, but I am giving Notre Dame the edge, 30-24. Their defense and ground game will find a way to make the difference late in the fourth quarter.
YouTube – Marcus Freeman Press Conference
https://youtu.be/TVCdkeW-Nyw?si=lWV5N_PJNWxeLqt5
Gamma App – Statistical Analysis
https://the-len-zone-wvpuzxk.gamma.site
Notre Dame-Georgia: Len Clark’s Prediction
