Jan 2, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Donovan Hinish (41) celebrates after a play against Georgia Bulldogs at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images / Amber Searls-Imagn Images

SportsbookWire.com's Alex White is zoned in on Thursday's College Football Playoff semifinal when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (13-1) face the Penn State Nittany Lions (13-2) in the Orange Bowl. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.

The semifinals of the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff begin Thursday with a blockbuster Orange Bowl matchup between (6) Penn State and (7) Notre Dame. Both teams have leaned heavily on their defenses and run games to reach the doorstep of the College Football Playoff National Championship.