The Fighting Irish are slight favorites over the Nittany Lions, who are getting some love from the algorithms.

On Thursday, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will take on the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl for the rights to move on to the National Championship game of the College Football Playoff. The Irish have dealt with many different injuries this season,

Notre Dame football is itching for its first national title victory since 1988. The Fighting Irish have trusted running back Jeremiyah Love to help attempt to end the championship drought. Now, Penn State stands in the way in the College Football Playoffs at the Orange Bowl.

As kickoff for the 2025 Orange Bowl between Notre Dame and Penn State approaches, the point spread has grown. At Fan Duel, Notre Dame opened as a 1.5-point favorite over the Nittany Lions immediately following the Fighting Irish victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.