The 'Len' Zone
Notre Dame vs. Georgia A Statistical Analysis
An analysis of the offensive and defensive stats, special teams, and player highlights between #7 Notre Dame and #2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl

by Len Clark

Marcus Freeman Press Conference
Offensive Powerhouses
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
419.2 total yards per game
38.85 points per game
40% third-down conversion rate
Georgia Bulldogs
413.8 total yards per game
33.15 points per game
40.85% third-down conversion rate
Defensive Dominance

Yards Allowed Per Game
Notre Dame: 295.3 | Georgia: 337.0

Points Allowed Per Game
Notre Dame: 13.85 | Georgia: 20.38

Turnover Margin
Notre Dame: +12 | Georgia: +6

Sacks
Notre Dame: 33 (235 yards lost) | Georgia: 36 (258 yards lost)
Special Teams Spotlight
Field Goal Success
Notre Dame: 53.3% | Georgia: 90.91%
Punt Average
Notre Dame: 41.5 yards | Georgia: 47.57 yards
Kick Return Average
Notre Dame: 19.0 yards | Georgia: 15.18 yards
Player Highlights: Notre Dame

1

Jeremiyah Love (RB)
1057 yards, 7.4 avg, 16 TDs

2

Riley Leonard (QB)
2293 yards, 17 TDs, 66.8% completion

3

Beaux Collins (WR)
445 yards, 2 TDs
Player Highlights: Georgia
1
Nate Frazier (RB)
634 yards, 4.9 avg, 8 TDs
2
Gunner Stockton (QB)
206 yards, 0 TDs, 71.2% completion
3
Arian Smith (WR)
750 yards, 4 TDs
Head-to-Head History
All-Time Series
Georgia leads 3-1
Last Matchup
Georgia won 23-17 in 2019
Key Takeaways

1

2

3

4

1

Offensive Balance
Both teams show strong, balanced offenses

2

Defensive Edge
Notre Dame's defense slightly outperforms Georgia's

3

Special Teams Contrast
Georgia excels in kicking, Notre Dame in returns

4

Close Matchup
Statistics suggest a potentially close, exciting game
Len's Game Prediction: Notre Dame
This game is going to come down to execution in critical situations. Notre Dame has a strong identity on the ground with Jeremiyah Love leading their rushing attack and Riley Leonard managing the offense efficiently.
The Fighting Irish defense has been lights-out all season, holding opponents to under 14 points per game and creating turnovers at a high rate. That turnover margin could be the X-factor in the Sugar Bowl.
Georgia, on the other hand, is a well-rounded team with a lethal passing game led by Carson Beck (at the time of this writing is questionable to play) and will be replaced by Gunner Stockton.
The Dawgs can strike fast and are efficient in the red zone, but they'll need their offensive line to hold up against Notre Dame’s disruptive pass rush.
Special teams might play a pivotal role in the game. Georgia’s near-flawless kicking game gives them an edge, but Notre Dame’s kick return unit has the potential to flip field position.
This game is going to be a war in the trenches. If Georgia can protect their quarterback and get their passing game going early, they could force Notre Dame to play catch-up. But if Notre Dame controls the clock with their run game and keeps Georgia’s offense off the field, it’s going to be tough night in New Orleans for the Dawgs.
My prediction? It’s tight all the way, but I am giving Notre Dame the edge, 30-24. Their defense and ground game will find a way to make the difference late in the fourth quarter.