Penn State was unable to corral Oregon’s offense in the Big Ten Championship though, allowing 496 total yards while dropping a 45-37 decision to the then undefeated Ducks. The Nittany Lions eviscerated SMU in the first round of the CFP Playoff,

Finebaum believes two teams have stood out in the first two rounds of the College Football Playoff, praising the Fighting Irish for their run. He thinks Notre Dame will defeat Penn State in the semifinal and advance to the national championship game.

Jan 2, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman RJ Oben (9) knocks the ball loose from Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton (14) for a fumble recovered by Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Junior Tuihalamaka (44) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images