Notre Dame soared to a thrilling 27-24 victory over Penn State in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal, thanks to a clutch field goal from Mitch Jeter in the final seconds of the game.

Notre Dame soared to a thrilling 27-24 victory over Penn State in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal, thanks to a clutch field goal from Mitch Jeter in the final seconds of the game.

On his 39th birthday, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman shares the limelight with his daughter Siena, celebrating her 13th birthday as well. The Irish triumphed in the College Football Playoff semifinal against Penn State, marking their 13th consecutive victory. Freeman steered his team through adversity, overcoming a 10-point deficit in the first half and a seven-point hole near the end of the fourth quarter. The team also dealt with injuries, losing two starting offensive linemen during the game.

Notre Dame defeated Penn State 27-24 in a thrilling finale, securing a spot in the CFP championship on January 20 in Atlanta. The Irish aim to claim their first national title since 1988, while Freeman aspires to become the youngest coach to win a title in over four decades. Freeman, the first Black head coach in a Football Bowl Subdivision championship game, insisted that the victory was more about the team than about him.

Sophomore cornerback Christian Gray played a crucial role in the game, intercepting Penn State quarterback Drew Allar's pass as time was running out. Senior transfer quarterback Riley Leonard, whose impressive performances helped the Irish throughout the season, gained ground and connected with Gray on the Irish's final drive. Mitch Jeter, the healthy and clutch kicker, then converted the 41-yard field goal to secure the victory.

Notre Dame's previous appearances in Hard Rock Stadium resulted in losses, including the 2013 national title game. The team needed to shake off a slow start, trailing 10-0 and managing only 15 rushing yards in the first half. However, the Irish rallied in the second half, clinching the victory with hard-fought drives and crucial plays.

Injuries also posed a challenge, forcing Marcus Freeman to call upon backups who rose to the occasion. Steve Angeli, Leonard's backup, delivered an impressive performance upon the senior quarterback's departure. Freeman's motivational speech at halftime helped to galvanize the team, setting the tone for a memorable comeback.

The previous nine meetings between Notre Dame and Penn State had been closely contested, with most results separating the teams by a single score. This time, the Irish proved their mettle, showcasing their unity and overcoming adversity to triumph in the Orange Bowl semifinal.

After securing the victory, Notre Dame's head coach Marcus Freeman discussed the financial implications of the CFP championship, emphasizing the significant revenue generated from sports, stating, "The financial rewards of winning this title will undoubtedly benefit both the university and our sports program." Furthermore, recognizing the growing business aspect of sports, Freeman expressed his interest in expanding Notre Dame's sports business ventures, saying, "We aim to capitalize on this momentum and explore new business opportunities in sports, ensuring the continued success of our team and institution."

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