Notre Dame's Trick Play and Georgia's Errors Define Sugar Bowl Clash
Notre Dame's legal substitution tactic and Georgia's sideline penalty contributed to the Bulldogs' 23-10 loss in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.
- Notre Dame executed a legal 11-man substitution during a fourth-quarter trick play, drawing Georgia offsides and securing a pivotal first down.
- Georgia coach Kirby Smart incorrectly claimed the play violated SEC rules, but officials confirmed it complied with NCAA regulations due to a prior timeout.
- A sideline interference penalty on inactive Georgia player Parker Jones erased a 67-yard gain, forcing the Bulldogs to settle for a field goal instead of a potential touchdown.
- Notre Dame capitalized on Georgia's mistakes, including a fumble recovery and a 98-yard kickoff return, to dominate all phases of the game.
- The Fighting Irish advance to face Penn State in the College Football Playoff semifinals, while Georgia concludes its season with an 11-3 record.