Notre Dame's win over Georgia didn't move the needle enough to take the Irish's side vs. Penn State. ND's offense didn't move the football through the air or on the ground much, outside of QB Riley Leonard's runs, and the UGA defense wasn't nearly as talented as in recent seasons. Penn State's run defense is elite (7th nationally in run defense) and proved it against Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty in the last round. The secondary (18 picks) has also stepped up, recording six INTs vs. SMU and Boise State.

The Penn State offense has made strides, and it showed vs. Boise State. RBs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton each surpassed 1,000 rushing yards this season and QB Drew Allar (8.6 yards per attempt, up 2 YPA from last season) is more of a threat. The Notre Dame run defense is solid but Allar gives PSU an edge in the passing game that Leonard can't match.

Bet on the Nittany Lions to win the Orange Bowl!