The Fighting Irish came through when it mattered in their playoff semifinal against Penn State by relying on the one skill they perform better than any other team in the country.

In Notre Dame's victory over Georgia, they dominated the Bulldogs on the defensive end. Georgia finished the game with two turnovers, converting 2-of-12 third-down attempts and 0-of-3 fourth-down attempts. With the loss to the Fighting Irish, Georgia finished its 2024 season with an 11-3 record.

In a College Football Playoff game delayed by the attack on Bourbon Street, the Fighting Irish defense sets the tone in a 23-10 win.