Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Penn State Nittany Lions Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 1/9/2025 7:30 PM EST

We have your Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Penn State Nittany Lions prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish hit the road to face the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Penn State Nittany Lions Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Notre Dame Fighting Irish -125 (DraftKings) / Penn State Nittany Lions +105 (DraftKings)
Best Spread Odds: 1.5 - Notre Dame Fighting Irish -114 (FanDuel) / Penn State Nittany Lions -105 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 47.0 - Under -110 (Caesars) / 45.5 - Over -115 (ESPN BET)

Game Info

Date: 1/9/2025
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, LA)
TV: ESPN

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Penn State Nittany Lions Preview

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Penn State Nittany Lions are set to clash in a highly anticipated College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl. Both teams have navigated challenging paths to reach this stage, showcasing their resilience and skill. Notre Dame, under the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman, has been on a remarkable run, winning 12 consecutive games after an early-season stumble against Northern Illinois. The Fighting Irish's success has been largely attributed to their formidable defense and a dynamic rushing attack spearheaded by quarterback Riley Leonard, a dual-threat talent who has set a school record for total touchdowns in his debut season with Notre Dame.

Despite the absence of key defensive players like Rylie Mills and Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame's defense has remained stout, anchored by senior Howard Cross III and linebacker Jack Kiser. The Irish's ability to force turnovers was on full display in their Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia, where they capitalized on Bulldog mistakes to secure a 23-10 win. Special teams have also played a crucial role, with a pivotal kickoff return touchdown against Georgia highlighting their versatility.

Penn State, led by veteran coach James Franklin, has also demonstrated its prowess, particularly in the running game. The Nittany Lions boast a formidable backfield duo in Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, both of whom have surpassed 1,000 rushing yards this season. Quarterback Drew Allar has shown significant improvement, enhancing Penn State's offensive capabilities. Defensively, the Nittany Lions are anchored by linebacker Abdul Carter, whose disruptive presence has been a key factor in their success, including a dominant performance against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl.

The matchup between these two storied programs promises to be a battle of strengths, with both teams excelling in the ground game and defensive fortitude. Notre Dame's ability to adapt and overcome adversity, coupled with Penn State's balanced offensive attack, sets the stage for a thrilling encounter. As the teams prepare to face off at the Caesars Superdome, the stakes could not be higher, with a coveted spot in the national championship game on the line.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Penn State Nittany Lions Pick: Notre Dame Fighting Irish Against the Spread

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have been on an impressive run, winning 12 consecutive games after an early-season setback. Their resilience and ability to adapt have been key factors in their success, and they enter the Orange Bowl as a 1.5-point favorite against Penn State. Notre Dame's defense has been a cornerstone of their campaign, even in the absence of key players like Rylie Mills and Benjamin Morrison. The Irish have consistently demonstrated their ability to force turnovers, as evidenced by their performance against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, where they capitalized on Bulldog mistakes to secure a 23-10 victory.

Offensively, Notre Dame is led by quarterback Riley Leonard, whose dual-threat capabilities have added a new dimension to their attack. Leonard's record-setting season for total touchdowns has been instrumental in the Irish's success, and his ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground will be crucial against a strong Penn State defense. The Irish's special teams have also been a game-changer, with a pivotal kickoff return touchdown against Georgia highlighting their versatility and ability to impact the game in all phases.

While Penn State boasts a formidable rushing attack with Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton, Notre Dame's defense has proven adept at containing opposing ground games, as seen in their victories over Indiana and Georgia. The Nittany Lions' quarterback, Drew Allar, has shown improvement, but the Irish defense, anchored by senior Howard Cross III and linebacker Jack Kiser, is well-equipped to handle the challenge.

Given Notre Dame's recent form, their ability to force turnovers, and the dynamic play of Riley Leonard, the Fighting Irish are well-positioned to cover the spread against Penn State. Their balanced approach and experience in high-stakes games make them a formidable opponent, and they are poised to secure a spot in the national championship game with a strong performance in the Orange Bowl.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Penn State Nittany Lions Top Player Prop Picks

Riley Leonard Over 50.5 Rushing Yards -117 (Caesars)

Riley Leonard has been a dynamic force for Notre Dame this season, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities as both a passer and a runner. His ability to make plays with his legs has been a crucial component of Notre Dame's offensive strategy, particularly in high-stakes games. Leonard's rushing prowess was on full display in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia, where his mobility helped the Fighting Irish maintain offensive balance and keep the Bulldogs' defense on their heels. With Penn State's defense likely to focus on containing Notre Dame's rushing attack, Leonard's ability to exploit gaps and extend plays with his feet will be vital. Given his track record and the importance of his rushing ability in Notre Dame's game plan, taking the over on 50.5 rushing yards is a strong play.

Abdul Carter Over 1.5 Sacks -117 (Caesars)

Abdul Carter has been a standout performer for Penn State's defense, consistently disrupting opposing offenses with his pass-rushing skills. His performance against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl was nothing short of dominant, as he recorded multiple sacks and tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to penetrate the backfield and apply pressure on the quarterback. With Notre Dame's offensive line facing the challenge of containing Carter's relentless pursuit, the Nittany Lions will rely heavily on his ability to disrupt Riley Leonard's rhythm. Given Carter's recent form and his knack for making impactful plays, betting on him to exceed 1.5 sacks is a compelling proposition.

Kaytron Allen Over 53.5 Rushing Yards -117 (Caesars)

Kaytron Allen has been a key contributor to Penn State's potent rushing attack, consistently delivering strong performances throughout the season. Alongside Nicholas Singleton, Allen has formed a formidable backfield duo that has been instrumental in the Nittany Lions' offensive success. In the Fiesta Bowl, Allen's ability to find running lanes and gain significant yardage was evident, as he played a crucial role in Penn State's victory over Boise State. With Notre Dame's defense focusing on containing the run, Allen's ability to break through and accumulate yards will be essential. Given his recent performances and the importance of the ground game in this matchup, taking the over on 53.5 rushing yards for Allen is a solid choice.