[The Final Game of the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals: Georgia vs. Notre Dame
The final game of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals between Georgia and Notre Dame is set to take place on Thursday at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, with the winner facing off against Penn State in the Orange Bowl on January 9. However, the mood is somber in New Orleans as the city mourns the loss of 14 people and dozens injured after a driver rammed a pickup truck into a crowd during New Year’s celebrations early Wednesday morning.
The game, originally scheduled to kick off at 8:45 p.m. ET on Wednesday, was postponed and now has a new start time of 4 p.m. ET on Thursday. A moment of silence will be held before the game to honor the victims of the attack, set to take place before the playing of the National Anthem.
Despite the tragedy, both teams remain focused on the task at hand. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, saying “We’re hurt for all those affected by this tragedy. The city of New Orleans has welcomed us with open arms and we join them in prayers for all those victims and families that are affected by this tragedy.”
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart also paid tribute to the victims, stating “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families as we work through this. Any time we have an event like the Sugar Bowl, public safety is paramount, and all parties involved agree that could only be achieved with a postponement.”
The game will still be broadcast on ESPN, with the new start time of 4 p.m. ET on Thursday. Fans are advised to plan to arrive early and be prepared for enhanced security measures.
In a thrilling matchup, Georgia faces off against Notre Dame, with the winner set to advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Georgia has a 3-0 record in games against Notre Dame, but the Fighting Irish are riding a 11-game winning streak and have five wins against AP Top 25 teams this season. They are led by quarterback Riley Leonard, who has thrown for 2,293 yards, 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions, and running back Jeremiyah Love, who has rushed for 1,057 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Georgia will be without starting quarterback Carson Beck, who underwent season-ending elbow surgery, and will rely on sophomore quarterback Gunner Stockton, who has limited experience and will face off against a strong Notre Dame defense led by players Xavier Watts, Jaiden Ausberry, and Rylie Mills.
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