Don’t count out the Beavers. After a hard-fought victory over Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, Penn State is set to make its mark in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals. The next stop? Miami, where the stakes are higher than ever.
Next Challenge: Notre Dame Awaits
The Beavers will face off against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl, with a coveted spot in the national championship game on the line. Both teams are hungry for glory, having not claimed the national title since the 1980s. For Penn State, this opportunity is a long-awaited chance to reclaim its place among college football’s elite.
Penn State’s Journey Under Franklin
Under the leadership of head coach James Franklin, Penn State has shown resilience and determination. The Beavers have reached the Big Ten Championship game twice, triumphing in 2016 and facing a tough loss in this season’s matchup. Remarkably, since 2014, they have finished third or higher in their conference eight times, with only one season (2020) where they missed a bowl game. This consistency is a testament to their hard work and commitment.
How They Got Here
In the Fiesta Bowl, Penn State displayed grit and tenacity, scoring in every quarter against the Broncos. While the game wasn’t the most aesthetically pleasing, the effectiveness of their offense was undeniable. As they prepare for Notre Dame, the Beavers must maintain this momentum. The Fighting Irish capitalized on Georgia’s mistakes in the Sugar Bowl, showcasing their ability to exploit opponents’ weaknesses. Can Penn State rise to the occasion?
When is the Penn State vs. Notre Dame CFP Game?
Mark your calendars! The Orange Bowl, a critical CFP semifinal, will kick off on Thursday, January 9, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. The winner of this thrilling matchup will secure a place in the national championship game in Atlanta. The anticipation is palpable!
Ticket Information: Get in on the Action
For fans eager to witness this historic clash, tickets for Penn State vs. Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl are available now on various platforms. However, be prepared to shell out some cash. With both teams boasting passionate fan bases, ticket prices are soaring. Seats are selling for no less than $200, with lower-level tickets starting at around $300. Prices are not expected to drop anytime soon, so act fast to secure your spot!
College Football Playoff Schedule 2024
The excitement surrounding the College Football Playoff continues to build as teams compete for glory. Here’s a quick overview of the upcoming schedule:
First Round
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | Tickets |
| Fri., Dec. 20 | No. 7 Notre Dame 27, No. 10 Indiana 17 | South Bend, Ind. | 8 p.m. | – |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 6 Penn State 38, No. 11 SMU 10 | State College, Pa. | 12 p.m. | – |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 5 Texas 38, No. 12 Clemson 24 | Austin, Texas | 4 p.m. | – |
| Sat., Dec. 21 | No. 8 Ohio State 42, No. 9 Tennessee 17 | Columbus, Ohio | 8 p.m. | – |
Quarterfinals
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | Tickets |
| Tues., Dec. 31 | No. 6 Penn State 31, No. 3 Boise State 14 | Fiesta Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | – |
| Wed., Jan. 1 | No. 5 Texas 39, No. 4 Arizona State (2OT) | Peach Bowl | 1 p.m. | – |
| Wed., Jan. 1 | No. 8 Ohio State 41, No. 1 Oregon 21 | Rose Bowl | 5 p.m. | – |
| Wed., Jan. 2* | No. 7 Notre Dame 23, No. 2 Georgia 10 | Sugar Bowl | 4 p.m. | – |
*Note: The Sugar Bowl between Georgia and Notre Dame was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, and the new date is set for January 2 at 4 p.m. ET.
Semifinals
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | Tickets |
| Thurs., Jan. 9 | No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 7 Notre Dame | Orange Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | Buy now |
| Fri., Jan. 10 | No. 5 Texas vs. No. 8 Ohio State | Cotton Bowl | 7:30 p.m. | Buy now |
Championship
| Date | Game | Location | Time (ET) | Tickets |
| Mon., Jan. 20 | TBD vs. TBD | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 7:30 p.m. | Buy now |
It’s Penn State’s year, and the excitement is contagious. As fans gear up for this monumental clash against Notre Dame, the hope and anticipation for a national championship are palpable. Will the Beavers seize this opportunity and make history? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: college football fans are in for a thrilling ride!
