Penn State and Notre Dame set to face off in the Orange Bowl

The GIST: And then there were four. The College Football Playoff (CFP) semis are officially here, with the Orange Bowl, featuring No. 6 Penn State and No. 7 Notre Dame, kicking off tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. ET and the Cotton Bowl set for Friday.

• We’ll preview Friday's matchup between No. 5 Texas and No. 8 Ohio State in our next newsletter, but for now, read on for all the juicy details about tomorrow’s showdown. Hike!

🦁 No. 6 Penn State leans on the ground game: The Nittany Lions have been running all over their opponents this season, thanks to junior running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. Both have eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark, helping Penn State average over five yards per carry in their first two postseason games. Truly running away with it.

• Defensively, all eyes will be on the health of junior defensive end and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year Abdul Carter.

• HC James Franklin indicated that Carter might play despite a lingering shoulder injury, which could be a game-changer given his 11 sacks this season.

🍀 No. 7 Notre Dame relying on the luck of the Irish quarterback (QB) Riley Leonard: Notre Dame’s offensive success will rest on the shoulders (and legs) of its dual-threat QB. Leonard’s thrown for 2,383 yards and 18 touchdowns, plus he’s basically a track star — ranking second on the team in rushing yards. Get you a player who can do it all.

• As for the Fighting Irish defense, they’ll have their hands full containing Penn State’s loaded offense, including dynamic playmaker Tyler Warren.

• That said, Notre Dame is coming off a strong defensive showing against No. 2 Georgia, holding the Bulldogs to just 10 points in the quarters.