The No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions will face off against the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Orange Bowl on Thursday night, with a national championship appearance at stake.
It will be the first meeting between these two iconic programs since 2007.
Head coach James Franklin has the Nittany Lions (13-2) two wins away from a national championship, something that hasn’t been done in almost 40 years.
Since taking over the reins at Penn State, Franklin’s teams have struggled against top-10 opponents with a 3-17 record.
Nittany Lions fans are hoping this is the year they can finally break through and have a shot at making history.
Offensively, the running back duo of Kaytron Allen and Gov. Mifflin graduate Nicholas Singleton have racked up 2,041 yards and 17 touchdowns, making them one of the top duos in the nation.
Notre Dame’s defense allows 127.9 yards per game which could make it a long night for the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame (13-1) last appeared in the title game in 2013, where the Irish were defeated by Alabama 42-14.
The winner will advance to the national championship game in Atlanta, Georgia, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, Jan. 20, to face either No. 8 Ohio State or No. 5 Texas.
This game will feature a handful of Berks County alum on both sidelines Thursday night.
Singleton highlights the group as a focal point of the Nittany Lion’s offense. He has 1,015 yards (second consecutive season eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark) and nine touchdowns on 157 carries.
Singleton is joined by TE Joey Schlaffer (Exeter), OL Caleb Brewer (Wyomissing), and OL J’Ven Williams (Wyomissing) for Penn State.
On the other sideline, Max Hurleman, a Wyomissing alum, will look to make an impact in the third phase of the game as Notre Dame’s punt returner.
We sampled some Berks coaches and players on who they thing will win the game. Here are their picks.
Jayden Zandier, Exeter ATH/DB
Winner: Penn State
Why? “I think Penn State is going to win because Notre Dame’s starting running back (Jeremiyah Love) is injured and their defense might be good but obviously I’m biased they won’t be able to stop the run game between Nick (Singleton) and Kaytron (Allen).”
Doug Dahms, Wilson Head Coach
Winner: Penn State
Why? “Should be a heck of a game. Penn State’s 1-2 running punch could certainly give Notre Dame some trouble, especially if Drew (Allar) is on offensively in terms of passing the ball. The big question is whether or not there Abdul Carter is gonna play for Penn State. Or if Rylie Mills from Notre Dame is going to play. Both are elite defensive linemen. Offensively, whoever makes the most mistakes and whoever doesn’t make some dumb calls, especially if it’s close is going to win the game. Should be a good football game. Obviously, I’m rooting for Penn State.”
Chase Eisenhower, Wyomissing RB/LB
Winner: Notre Dame
Why? “I think Notre Dame is going to win, in a relatively low-scoring game. I think both teams have great defenses, as well as effective running games. But overall, I believe Notre Dame will come out with a very close win.”
Matt Bauer, Exeter Head Coach
Winner: Penn State
Why? “They can win up front on both sides of the ball.”
Nick Morrissey, Gov. Mifflin Head Coach
Winner: Penn State
Why? “It’s always exciting to see Nicholas Singleton and Penn State on such a big stage. As his former coach and knowing the player, leader, and game-changer he is, I’m always picking the team Nicholas is playing for. He has grown tremendously as a player and his work ethic, vision, and explosive playmaking abilities make him a true game-changer. His impact on the field could absolutely tilt the game in Penn State’s favor. He’s the type of player who can turn any opportunity into a game-defining moment.
“That said, both Penn State and Notre Dame bring unique strengths to the table. Penn State has a dynamic offense and solid defense that can adapt to high-pressure situations, while Notre Dame is known for its discipline, physicality, and ability to control the tempo of the game. Both teams are exceptionally well-coached and prepared for playoff football, so it’s going to come down to execution on the day.
“I can’t wait to watch these two powerhouse programs leave it all on the field. Singleton is a star no matter the result, his impact will undoubtedly be felt.”
Source: Berkshire mont