Penn State - Notre Dame Prediction

Thursday 7:30 PM ET

Penn State vs. Notre Dame (Neutral Site - Orange Bowl)

ND -1, O/U 45

Pick: Penn State +1

Notre Dame has a classic playoff football formula going for them. They always win the turnover battle, they run the ball, they shut down opposing offenses (ND has only surrendered 20 plus points twice all season), and an experienced QB in Riley Leonard who takes care of the ball and finds ways to keep the chains moving. I do, however, have concerns about their lack of impact pass catchers and their leading rusher, Jeremiyah Love, is playing through a knee injury. I have much more confidence in Penn State's offense to move the ball. Their weapons are simply a level above what Indiana and Georgia had to offer. The Nittany Lions boast two quality running backs in Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, but the guy to watch is TE Tyler Warren, who has 98 catches for 1,158 yards and 8 TDs this year. I think Penn State QB Drew Allar will outplay Leonard and their defense, even with key pass rusher Abdul Carter being a gametime decision, will play well enough that just a handful of scoring drives will be enough to send State to the National Championship game. I envision a 26-17 win for Penn State here.