Notre Dame vs. Penn State live updates, score: Follow the College Football Playoff semifinals in the Orange Bowl

The first participant in the national title game will be determined Thursday night in Miami when Notre Dame and Penn State meet in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. The second semifinal between Ohio State and Texas follows Friday evening in Arlington, Texas.

Date: January 9th | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET | TV: ESPN | Line: Penn State -1 | Overall: 45.5

This is a clash between two proud football programs that took a long time to achieve ultimate glory. Both teams have multiple national titles to their credit, but neither has won one since the 1980s. One of these teams is just two wins away from ending this losing streak, and that starts Thursday night.

Both teams convincingly won two playoff games to get here, and both relied on strong defense and a running game to do so. The Fighting Irish were particularly reliant on the running game, led by the legs of QB Riley Leonard. His counterpart, Penn State QB Drew Allar, has better passing numbers in the playoffs after throwing three touchdowns against Boise State in the quarterfinals.

Will the passing game propel the Nittany Lions forward, especially with all-around weapon TE Tyler Warren, or will Notre Dame’s defense shut the game down like it did in the first two rounds of the playoffs? So how will Penn State keep Leonard and the Notre Dame game under control? These are the questions that could determine who advances to the championship game.

Live11 updates

Thu, January 9, 2025, 7:35 p.m. EST

Urban Meyer booed before the game

Urban Meyer was just introduced as an Orange Bowl Hall of Famer to loud boos from everyone.

– Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) January 10, 2025
Thu, Jan 9, 2025 at 7:18 pm EST

College Football Playoff Players to Watch, Key to Orange Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Penn State

Click on the photo above to read the story. (Robin Alam/Getty Images)
Thu, Jan 9, 2025 at 7:11 pm EST

Should Notre Dame join a conference?

Click on the photo above to read the story. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)
Thu, January 9, 2025 at 7:05 pm EST

Is the College Football Reign of the Deep South Over?

Click on the photo above to read the story. (Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
Thu, January 9, 2025 at 7:00 pm EST

With the end of the NIL era, college sports are facing a huge change. How will schools adapt to industry disruption?

Click on the photo above to read the story. (Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports)
Thu Jan 9, 2025 6:52pm EST

Michigan QB Davis Warren suffered a torn right ACL in the ReliaQuest Bowl win over Alabama

Click on the photo above to read the story. (Peter Joneleit/Getty Images)
Thu Jan 9, 2025 6:48pm EST

College football QB transfer tracker: Announced FCS quarterback picks Iowa

Click on the photo above to read the story. (Tommy Martino/University of Montana)
Thu Jan 9, 2025 6:42pm EST

Bettors like Notre Dame and Ohio State in the CFP semifinals

Click on the photo above to read the story. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Thu Jan 9, 2025 6:39pm EST

Georgia QB Carson Beck is entering the NCAA transfer portal

Click on the photo above to read the story. (David J. Griffin/Getty Images)
Thu Jan 9, 2025 6:38pm EST

Good evening folks and welcome to our live tracker for tonight’s CFP semifinal game between Notre Dame and Penn State!

We still have about an hour until kickoff at the Orange Bowl. Here’s where to read to catch up on everything that happened in college football this week.