Notre Dame's Orange Bowl Triumph: Late Field Goal Secures CFP Title Game Berth

In a thrilling turn of events, Notre Dame secured their spot in the College Football Playoff National Championship game with a dramatic 35-32 victory over Oklahoma in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. The Irish rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter, capping off their stunning comeback with a game-winning 34-yard field goal by Jonathan Doerer as time expired.

Key Moments and Resilient Play

The game was a back-and-forth affair with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower. However, Notre Dame's defense proved to be the difference-maker, forcing three turnovers and making crucial stops in critical moments. Defensive linemen Isaiah Foskey and Justin Ademilola combined for four sacks, while cornerback Cam Hart intercepted two passes. Quarterback Tyler Buchner led the Irish offense, passing for 283 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 59 yards and another score.

Controversial Calls and Late Drama

The game was also marred by controversial officiating decisions. In the third quarter, Oklahoma thought it had scored a touchdown that would have given them a 17-point lead, but the play was overturned after review. In the final minute, the Sooners were called for roughing the passer penalty that gave Notre Dame the opportunity to attempt the game-winning field goal. The penalty was highly debated, with some arguing it was a legitimate hit and others claiming it was unnecessary roughness.

Notre Dame's Defensive Masterclass

Despite the controversy, there is no denying Notre Dame's defensive dominance in the second half. After allowing 25 points in the first half, the Irish shut out Oklahoma in the third quarter and held them to just one field goal in the fourth. Al Golden's defense forced punts on Oklahoma's final three possessions, setting up the opportunity for the game-winning field goal.

Oklahoma's Offensive Struggles

While Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw for 333 yards and four touchdowns, the Sooners' offense was unable to sustain drives in the second half. They ran for just 45 yards on 23 carries, and their inability to control the clock proved costly. Running back Eric Gray, who entered the game averaging over 100 yards per game, was held to just 45 yards on 12 carries.

Implications for the CFP Title Game

With their victory, Notre Dame advances to the College Football Playoff National Championship game, where they will face the winner of the Peach Bowl between Georgia and Ohio State. The Irish will be seeking their first national title since 1988, while Oklahoma's disappointing season ends with a record of 9-4.

Conclusion

Notre Dame's Orange Bowl triumph was a thrilling and controversial affair that showcased the complexities of college football. The Irish's resilient play, defensive dominance, and late-game heroics earned them a berth in the CFP National Championship game. However, the game also raised questions about officiating consistency and the future of Oklahoma's program. As the college football season reaches its climax, the College Football Playoff National Championship game promises to be an unforgettable clash between two of the nation's top teams.