Notre Dame draws two consecutive kicker penalties to open the Sugar Bowl

It was a difficult start for Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against Georgia on Thursday.

The Fighting Irish started the sugar bowl with two consecutive penalties against the defense and another against quarterback Riley Leonard on Notre’s Dame’s opening drive.

Notre Dame defensive lineman Bryce Young (30) attempts to block a punt from Georgia player Drew Miller (90) during the first half of the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Defensive lineman Bryce Young, a true freshman, was called for kicker penalties after colliding with two players on a consecutive run Georgia player Drew Miller. The first resulted in a 5-yard penalty, but the second penalty was dismissed.

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Things didn’t look much better on Notre Dame’s opening drive.

Leonard was called for an illegal forward pass after making two pass attempts. His first pass was deflected by Georgia junior Mykel Williams. After catching the ball, which bounced off Williams’ hand, Leonard attempted another incomplete pass.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (left) passes as he is pressured by Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker (11) during the first half of a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

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The game ended 0-0 after the first quarter. Georgia’s defense limited Notre Dame to 24 yards rushing in the first quarter. Leonard completed just one pass for 14 yards. The teams traded field goals in the second quarter.

Notre Dame players run on the field before a college football playoff quarterfinal against Georgia on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

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The Sugar Bowl will take place Thursday at the Superdome in New Orleans after being postponed a day after a deadly terrorist attack on Bourbon Street that killed at least 15 people and injured dozens more.

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