Sugar Bowl final: UGA's season ends with 23-10 loss to Notre Dame
The Georgia Bulldogs take the field prior to the 91st Allstate Sugar Bowl against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Caesars Superdome on January 02, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS - The Georgia Bulldogs failed to come back from a dominant Notre Dame, losing the Sugar Bowl 23-10, and ending their hopes at another national championship.
Riley Leonard passed for a touchdown, Jayden Harrison returned a kickoff 98 yards for a score, and Notre Dame’s defense delivered a standout performance in a 23-10 victory over No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. The win propels the third-ranked Fighting Irish into the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.
The game, originally scheduled for New Year’s Day, was delayed by a day following a deadly terror attack in New Orleans, casting a somber mood over the event. Despite the tragedy, Notre Dame made pivotal plays that ultimately secured their victory.
Special teams provided a crucial boost when Harrison took a kickoff 98 yards to the end zone, shifting momentum in Notre Dame’s favor. Leonard contributed with a touchdown pass, while the defense stifled Georgia’s offense, limiting them to a single touchdown.
A key moment came when Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman employed a clever strategy. With his team deep in their own territory, Freeman initially sent out the punt unit but then called all 11 players off the field. The move induced an offside penalty on Georgia, granting the Irish a critical first down.
Notre Dame’s disciplined execution and big plays ensured their place in the semifinals, maintaining their pursuit of a national championship.
Here's a look at some of the highlights:
Irish FG puts them up 23-10 over UGA
Kicker Mitch Jeter stepped up for his third long-range field goal attempt of the game and delivered once more, nailing a 47-yarder to extend the Fighting Irish's lead early in the fourth quarter. Earlier in the game, Jeter had already converted from 44 and 48 yards during the second quarter.
Jadarian Price #24 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 91st Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on January 02, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Grayt
UGA fights back, shrinks Irish lead to 20-10
Georgia broke Notre Dame's streak of 20 unanswered points with a much-needed offensive spark. Quarterback Gunner Stockton connected with Cash Jones on a 32-yard touchdown pass, cutting into the deficit. Notre Dame still holds a 20-10 lead with 9:36 remaining in the third quarter.
Irish widens lead 20-3 over UGA in 3rd quarter
The Fighting Irish maintained their first-half energy as they opened the third quarter with a kick return touchdown. Jayden Harrison electrified the crowd by racing 98 yards to score just 15 seconds into the second half.
UGAs Redcoat Marching Band performs at the halftime of the Sugar Bowl as the Georgia Bulldogs take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Dec. 2, 2025. (Christine Sperow | FOX 5 Atlanta)
Irish lead UGA 13-3 at the half
Notre Dame heads to halftime with momentum after a big swing late in the second quarter. Defensive lineman RJ Oben sacked Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton, forcing a fumble that teammate Junior Tuihalamaka recovered. On the very next play, quarterback Riley Leonard found receiver Beaux Collins for a 13-yard touchdown pass, putting Notre Dame ahead with just 27 seconds left in the half.
Notre Dame takes 6-3 lead over UGA
Notre Dame reached field goal range thanks to Riley Leonard's 10-yard run. Mitch Jeter then kicked a 48-yard field goal with 39 seconds left in the half. Earlier, Leonard hit Mitchell Evans for a 10-yard pass to set up the kick, though an 11-yard sack by Smael Mondon Jr. briefly set them back.
Irish evens score against UGA
Notre Dame tied the game with Georgia after Mitch Jeter nailed a 44-yard field goal on fourth-and-7 with 8:20 left in the second quarter. The drive included a 32-yard quarterback keeper by Riley Leonard for a first down.
UGA takes 3-0 lead against Notre Dame in CFP quarterfinals
Peyton Woodring's 41-yard field goal gave the Bulldogs the lead with 12:14 left in the second quarter. The scoring drive was set up by a 66-yard pass from quarterback Gunner Stockton to receiver Arian Smith on the first play. However, a sideline interference penalty moved the ball back from the Notre Dame 16-yard line to the 21 before the field goal.
Scoreless first quarter
It was a back-and-forth first quarter with both defenses staving off any scoring.
Gunner Stockton #14 of the Georgia Bulldogs throws a pass during the second quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 91st Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on January 02, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen
Etienne fumbles, Notre Dame recovers
Georgia's 14-play drive ended when running back Trevor Etienne fumbled after a six-yard gain. Notre Dame safety Adon Shuler forced the fumble, and linebacker Jaiden Ausberry recovered it at the Notre Dame 10-yard line with 2:37 left in the first quarter. The game remains scoreless.
Jadarian Price #24 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs with the ball during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs during the 91st Allstate Sugar Bowl at Caesars Superdome on January 02, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Grayt
Notre Dame runs into Georgia punter twice
The Fighting Irish showed signs of nervousness or over-aggression early in the first quarter, running into Georgia punter Drew Miller twice.
On Miller's first college punt attempt, Notre Dame was flagged for a five-yard penalty for running into the kicker. Miller then got a second chance to punt.
Irish win coin toss
Notre Dame won the coin toss and deferred to UGA. The Bulldogs will receive the kickoff.
The Source: This article is based on reports by the FOX 5 Sports Team reporting live from the game. FOX Sports and the Associated Press contributed to this article.