Paul Finebaum Predicts Clear Winner in Notre Dame-Penn State Playoff Matchup
The No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish silenced Paul Finebaum’s national champion prediction on Thursday, delivering a dominant defensive performance that resulted in a 23-10 victory over the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs.
With that win, Notre Dame now prepares for a highly anticipated showdown against the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions, who cruised to a commanding victory over the No. 3 Boise State Broncos on New Year’s Eve.
This matchup will mark the 20th meeting between the two programs, with the all-time series currently tied at 9-9-1. This game, though, is for a trip to the national championship game.
Ahead of the showdown, Paul Finebaum revealed his updated national title prediction, and it was clear he had made his choice for the winners of both upcoming games.
During an appearance on the “Matt Barrie Show,” Finebaum confidently picked the Fighting Irish to defeat the Nittany Lions, suggesting that Notre Dame’s defense and playmakers on offense would ultimately prevail in this high-stakes clash.
“Today, I would take Notre Dame and Ohio State because they’ve been the most impressive.” Finebaum said. “I just can’t get excited about Penn State beating SMU at home and Boise State. To me, the idea that Penn State could make it to the semifinals, really not playing anyone yet, is the main reason I believe in Notre Dame.”
Both teams are renowned for their strong defensive lines, but Penn State boasts a powerful offensive attack, led by their dynamic running back duo, Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, as well as star tight end Tyler Warren.
ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum.
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On the other side, Notre Dame features some key playmakers of their own, with all eyes on running back Jeremiyah Love and quarterback Riley Leonard, both of whom will be pivotal in this high-stakes battle.
Nonetheless, Finebaum believes the Fighting Irish have what it takes to knock off a Nittany Lions team he feels hasn’t been battle-tested through the first two rounds of the College Football Playoff.
