When the match is critical, a chance emerges for the top players to execute the most significant plays. Instead of the top player being Penn State quarterback Drew Allar in the Orange Bowl versus Notre Dame, it was Fighting Irish safety Christian Gray who excelled.
With the score tied at 24-24 and less than a minute remaining, Allar dropped back to throw and delivered a late pass over the middle to a wide-open receiver. Nonetheless, Gray executed an outstanding move on the ball and secured a significant interception.
The turnover placed Notre Dame’s possession nearly 10 yards from being in field goal range.
Notre Dame managed to run down the clock and score the game-winning field goal with only 8 seconds remaining, finishing 27-24 to move on to the national championship game.
Allar made a terrible pass, one that should never be attempted in that situation. Here’s what supporters expressed about it on social media.
That throw further highlighted the difficulty of Allar’s game, as he ended with only 11 completions out of 21 attempts for 139 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. The running game proved to be most effective for Penn State, as Kaytron Allen and Nicolas Singleton together amassed 166 yards and scored 3 touchdowns.
By winning 27-24, Notre Dame will advance to compete against either the Ohio State Buckeyes or Texas Longhorns in the national championship match. This will be their initial appearance in the national championship since 2013.
On Friday evening, we will find out who moves on to compete against them between Ohio State and Texas in the Cotton Bowl, set to start at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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