Irish Breakdown

Notre Dame Steps Up for Heavyweight Clash Against Georgia in the CFP

Notre Dame gears up for a heavyweight CFP clash with Georgia, aiming to prove its mettle against a powerhouse opponent.

John Kennedy

Georgia coach Kirby Smart takes the field with his team before the start of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024.
Georgia coach Kirby Smart takes the field with his team before the start of the SEC championship game against Texas in Atlanta, on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. / Joshua L. Jones / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In this story:

After a quick but well-earned celebration, Irish eyes turn to Georgia

Notre Dame Football made history last Friday night. Not only did the Irish collect their first-ever CFP win, but they also collected the first win in the first game of the expanded 12-team CFP format.

It was truly an honor that the powers that be, likely TV executives, picked Notre Dame Stadium to kick off this new playoff format.

After a very brief celebratory period, Irish fans have quickly shifted their focus from Indiana to Georgia. This is a program that has an elite, proven, championship-level head coach and one of the most talented rosters in the country. That being said, the Bulldogs aren't perfect, and the Irish are on a roll.

Georgia is an early 1.5 point favorite over Irish

As of now, Georgia is a 1.5-point favorite over Notre Dame. I'm genuinely curious how different this line may be if Georgia had starting QB Carson Beck healthy. Certainly, that is a factor being considered by oddsmakers and the betting public.

I think Notre Dame will and should embrace the underdog role leading into this ballgame. There's a certain freedom that comes with being an underdog. Marcus Freeman and his rising Irish program are trying to get to where Kirby Smart has his program.

Every team in this field has shown vulnerabilities at some point this season, including both Notre Dame and Georgia.

At this point, regular season records don't matter, roster comparisons don't matter, all that matters is which team plays better on January 1st.

For more Irish news & notes follow John on Twitter @alwaysirishINC, Always Irish on Youtube and or your preferred audio podcast provider.

Marcus Freeman Earned Notre Dame's First CFP Victory The Hard Way

Marcus Freeman Adds His Name To Notre Dame History Books

Notre Dame's Defense Dominates as Garbage Time Points Prove Irrelevant

Notre Dame Resilience Shines in Gritty Win Over Indiana

Published
John Kennedy
JOHN KENNEDY

Home/Football