The No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish entered Thursday night having never recorded a win against the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs in their program’s history. However, in Marcus Freeman’s first meeting with the Bulldogs as head coach, he coached a gem and led Notre Dame to an impressive 23-10 victory, dominated by the defense and special teams.
With the win over Georgia, the Fighting Irish made college football history, becoming the first team ever to beat an AP-ranked opponent in six different months in the same season.
- Beat No. 20 Texas A&M on Aug. 31.
- Beat No. 15 Louisville on Sep. 28.
- Beat No. 24 Navy on Oct. 26.
- Beat No. 18 Army on Nov. 23.
- Beat No. 9 Indiana on Dec. 20.
- Beat No. 2 Georgia on Jan. 2.
Georgia took a 3-0 lead on Thursday, but Notre Dame responded with 20 unanswered points. The Fighting Irish capitalized on a turnover to score a touchdown, then added a kick-return touchdown to start the second half. They also made two crucial field goals during the stretch run.
Notre Dame’s defense was the story of the game, as they won the turnover battle. Georgia turned the ball over just shy of the end zone in the first half and then gave it up again inside their own 25-yard line before halftime, leading to points for the Fighting Irish.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman is announced to fans after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs after the game at Caesars Superdome.
Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
With a stagnant rushing attack and first-time starter Gunner Stockton at quarterback, Georgia’s offense couldn’t overcome the deficit. Notre Dame secured a 23-10 victory, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals to face the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions.
