The College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 1, 2025, features a highly anticipated matchup between the No. 2 seed Georgia Bulldogs and the No. 7 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Georgia enters the game with an 11-2 record, having secured the SEC Championship with a 22-19 overtime victory over Texas. However, the Bulldogs face a significant challenge as starting quarterback Carson Beck underwent season-ending elbow surgery following the SEC title game, paving the way for redshirt sophomore Gunner Stockton to make his first career start. Notre Dame, boasting a 12-1 record, advanced to the quarterfinals after a 27-17 win over Indiana. The Fighting Irish have been dominant defensively, allowing just 13.8 points per game, which ranks among the best in the nation.

Offensively, Notre Dame relies on a potent rushing attack led by running back Jeremiyah Love, who has averaged 7.7 yards per touch this season, placing him fourth among FBS running backs. Quarterback Riley Leonard adds versatility, having rushed for 12 touchdowns in the red zone, tied for second-most among Power Five quarterbacks. Georgia’s defense, while traditionally stout, has shown vulnerability, particularly against explosive plays, allowing 20 or more points in six games since the 2023 season, all resulting in losses. The Bulldogs’ secondary has been effective in the red zone, permitting opponents to complete only 15 of 39 passes, ranking seventh-best in FBS. This contest will likely hinge on Notre Dame’s ability to exploit Georgia’s defensive lapses and how well Stockton adapts to leading the Bulldogs’ offense under the pressure of playoff competition.