Notre Dame fans are rallying behind the Irish as they prepare for an epic College Football Playoff matchup against SEC powerhouse Georgia.

Seventh-seeded Notre Dame faces the task of replacing another key defensive player as it prepares for second-seeded Georgia and a Bulldogs' quarterback the Fighting Irish know little about.

Georgia's defense has been inconsistent this season, so it will be important for the unit to bring its best against the Irish.

Georgia and Notre Dame are set to square off in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal round at the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. Let’s check in with the latest prediction for the matchup from an expert football model that simulates games.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden discusses preparing for Georgia and new starting quarterback Gunner Stockton in the Sugar Bowl

Watts did get plenty of love from the media, as he was named a consensus All-American. He came up in the clutch against Indiana, with a pick near the goal line. Watts is the best current player on defense for Notre Dame, and still makes plays even when teams try to throw away from his side.

The Georgia Bulldogs are at work, preparing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sugar Bowl. Here are our observations from the open viewing period.

We've got the Notre Dame vs. Georgia. The College Football playoffs enters its second round next week, and the Fighting Irish will face the Bulldogs in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Notre Dame breezed by Indiana to advance to the quarter-finals,

The Fighting Irish's star defensive linesman will miss the rest of the 2024 College Football Playoff after suffering a knee injury against Indiana - and his absence will be sorely felt against Georgia