Notre Dame’s goal is to be what the CFB world expects of them. To win the CFP semifinals against Penn State as a 5.5-point favorite. It’s been a long time since they made it to the Orange Bowl, their last appearance being in 1996. So, the motivation is high. But the developments inside Hard Rock Stadium in the first half against James Franklin‘s Nittany Lions isn’t helping their cause. 

Notre Dame took the first hit in the historic Orange Bowl showdown. HC Marcus Freeman suffered a setback as one of his offensive linemen sustained an injury. As Notre Dame recruiting insider Mike Singer posted on X on January 9, “Notre Dame LT Anthonie Knapp limps off the field on his own power.” Anthonie Knapp is a standout 4-star freshman who won a spot on the CFB Freshman All-American Team in his debut season.

This incident happened in the second quarter as Penn State led by three points. It was on a third-down play when Anthonie Knapp went down on a QB scramble as Riley Leonard landed on his leg. Following this, he hobbled to the injury tent by himself and his lower left leg was examined by the staff. Knapp then limped into the tunnel while Tosh Baker replaced him on the field. 

Penn State is already the top seven in the nation in scoring defense. Leonard’s first half is plagued with pressure from the Nittany Lions’ defense. So the loss of this star OL has left a gaping hole in the Irish’s offense. Anthonie Knapp’s injury update isn’t a positive one either. He later reappeared on the sidelines with a heavily taped left ankle, making his return unlikely. This is going to be a huge loss for Notre Dame who’s already facing enough pressure.

Penn State defense dominates Notre Dame 

Penn State opened the Orange Bowl with the pigskin and both sides showed equal power early on. But their explosive star Abdul Carter is one of the main reasons for the pressure on Riley Leonard. It didn’t matter that his left shoulder and arm is in a cast from his precious Fiesta Bowl injury. He’s still a beast on the field.

Right on Notre Dame’s first offensive drive, he delivered a quick tackle to cut a QB run short. Next, on the Irish’s first play of the second drive, he applied pressure to Leonard in the backfield, who had to throw the pigskin before a collision. Carter also forced an interception on the same drive. The first quarter ended in a pointless score but Penn State opened it with a 20-yard field-goal by kicker Ryan Barker that preceded Knapp’s injury.

The developments highlight Penn State’s defensive dominance over Notre Dame’s offense. On top of that, losing a key offensive player might cost Marcus Freeman’s chance for an Orange Bowl victory.