Notre Dame vs. Penn State live score, updates, highlights from 2025 College Football Playoff semifinals

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The 2025 College Football Playoff semifinals have finally arrived, and four teams will play over Thursday and Friday evening.

The first matchup Thursday evening will be No. 6 Penn State facing No. 7 Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl.

Both of these teams had impressive showings in the first two rounds of games. Penn State took care of SMU and Boise State in the first and second rounds, winning by a combined score of 69-24. Notre Dame beat Indiana at home in the first round, then stifled Georgia 23-10 in the Sugar Bowl.

STREAM: Watch Notre Dame vs. Penn State live with Fubo (free trial)

Despite Penn State's two losses to playoff teams in Ohio State in the regular season and Oregon in the Big Ten title game — both decided by just one score — the Nittany Lions had no problems earning a bid.

The offense is led by quarterback Drew Allar, who is having the best season of his PSU career. He's thrown for 3,192 yards with 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, rushing for another 285 yards and six touchdowns.

Notre Dame, meanwhile, seems to be entering a new, dominant era under head coach Marcus Freeman. Despite entering the 2024 season with an 0-2 playoff record under Brian Kelly, Notre Dame has looked impressive in wins over Indiana and Georgia.

The Irish's defense looks like one of the strongest units in the country. ND's defense kept Indiana out of the end zone until the final minute and a half of the game. The Irish also forced Georgia to go 0-for-3 on fourth down, along with two Bulldog turnovers. The unit ranks eighth overall in total defense. It's led by linebacker Jack Kiser, who has 75 total tackles with two sacks and two forced fumbles.

Neither of these head coaches have been this close to a national title game. Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is 32-9 over four seasons in South Bend. James Franklin is 101-41, dating back to his first season in Happy Valley in 2014. ND is a slight 2.5-point favorite.

The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights from Notre Dame vs. Penn State in the Orange Bowl. Follow below for complete results from the 2025 College Football Playoff semifinals.

Notre Dame vs. Penn State live score

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Notre Dame vs. Penn State highlights from 2025 College Football Playoff semifinals

(All times ET)

Live updates will be added as we get closer to kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Notre Dame vs. Penn State start time

Day: January 9, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET, 4:30 p.m. PT

Notre Dame and Penn State will face off in the CFP at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday evening. The semifinal playoff matchup will be in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.

How to watch Notre Dame vs. Penn State in Orange Bowl

TV Channel: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+, Fubo

Thursday's CFP matchup between Notre Dame and Penn State will be broadcast on ESPN. Sean McDonough and Greg McElroy will be on the call with Molly McGrath and Katie George as sideline reporters.

Streaming options include ESPN+ or Fubo, which offers a free trial to new users.