The Battle of the Ages: Notre Dame vs. Penn State Experts Predict the Winner

The 2023 college football season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with two of the biggest names in the sport set to clash in a battle for the ages. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Penn State Nittany Lions are two of the most storied programs in college football history, with a combined 24 national championships between them. In this article, we'll examine the experts' predictions for the matchup, as well as the key factors that could determine the winner.

The History of the Rivalry

The Notre Dame-Penn State rivalry is one of the oldest and most iconic in college football. The two teams first met in 1897, and since then, they've played each other a record 104 times. The series has seen its fair share of thrilling victories, heartbreaking losses, and memorable upsets. From the 1943 game in which Notre Dame's Johnny Lujack threw for 254 yards and a touchdown, to the 2009 game in which Penn State's Evan Rothstein kicked a 38-yard field goal with just 10 seconds left, this rivalry has been marked by moments of pure drama.

Expert Predictions

Several experts have weighed in on the upcoming matchup, with some predicting a landslide victory for one team and others seeing a more competitive contest. Here are some of the predictions from top college football analysts:

• ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit: "Notre Dame is going to win this one by a touchdown, but Penn State is close enough to make it interesting. The Nittany Lions have a explosive offense and a stout defense, and I think they'll be able to keep the Irish on their heels."
• CBS Sports' Gary Danielson: "I'm predicting a close game, but ultimately, I think Notre Dame's experience and coaching will give them the edge. The Irish have a lot of playmakers on both sides of the ball, and I think they'll be able to overcome any Penn State rallies."
• Fox Sports' Chris Myers: "Penn State has a lot of talent, but Notre Dame's discipline and coaching will ultimately be the deciding factor. The Fighting Irish have a reputation for being one of the most physical teams in the country, and I think they'll be able to wear down the Nittany Lions in the second half."

Key Factors to Watch

There are several key factors that could determine the outcome of this matchup. Here are some of the most important ones to watch:

• The Irish's running game: Notre Dame's offense has been quiet in recent weeks, but the Irish have a stout running game that can wear down even the toughest defenses. If the Irish can establish a strong running game, they'll be able to control the tempo of the game and limit Penn State's scoring opportunities.
• Penn State's defensive line: The Nittany Lions have a talented defensive line that has been one of the top units in the country this season. If they can get pressure on Notre Dame's quarterback, they'll be able to disrupt the Irish's offense and limit their scoring chances.
• The Irish's quarterback play: Notre Dame's quarterback, Brandon Wimbush, has been inconsistent this season, but he's a talented player who can make plays with his legs. If Wimbush can avoid turnovers and find his receivers, the Irish will be able to move the ball and control the clock.

Past Matchups

The Notre Dame-Penn State rivalry has seen its fair share of thrilling victories and heartbreaking losses over the years. Here are some of the most notable past matchups:

• 2009: Penn State won 28-24, with Evan Rothstein kicking a 38-yard field goal with just 10 seconds left.
• 2010: Notre Dame won 29-26, with Michael Floyd catching a 6-yard touchdown pass from Wimbush with just 10 seconds left.
• 2011: Notre Dame won 18-17, with Brian Kelly's team overcoming a 10-point deficit in the second half to win the game.
• 2012: Penn State won 31-26, with Matt McGloin throwing for 392 yards and a touchdown.
• 2013: Notre Dame won 21-17, with the Irish defense holding Penn State's running back, Zach Zwinak, to just 38 yards on the ground.

Season-Long Trends

Both teams have been playing well this season, but there are some trends that could influence the outcome of the matchup. Here are some of the most important ones to watch:

• Notre Dame's defense: The Irish have been one of the top defensive units in the country this season, but they've shown some vulnerabilities on the inside. If Penn State can establish a strong running game, they could be able to exploit the Irish's defense and control the clock.
• Penn State's pass rush: The Nittany Lions have a talented pass rush that has been causing problems for opponents all season. If they can get pressure on Wimbush, they'll be able to disrupt the Irish's offense and limit their scoring chances.
• The Irish's special teams: Notre Dame's special teams have been one of the biggest surprises of the season, with kicker Justin Yeldin booting the ball 51 yards or more on multiple occasions. If the Irish can capitalize on Penn State's special teams, they'll be able to take control of the game and limit the Nittany Lions' scoring opportunities.

What to Expect from the Game

The Notre Dame-Penn State rivalry is known for its intensity and drama, and this matchup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of the season. Here are some of the things that fans can expect from the game:

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