Georgia’s disastrous turnover leads to 10-point deficit vs. Notre Dame at halftime

Georgia and Notre Dame have been in a defensive struggle throughout the first half in the Sugar Bowl, but a major swing to end the half nets a 10-point lead for the Fighting Irish.

With touchdowns tough to come by, Notre Dame kicked a late field goal for a 6-3 lead with just 39 seconds left in the half. Georgia had a chance to simply get out of the half after a lackluster offensive showing, but Kirby Smart did not sit back.

Instead, the Bulldogs dropped Gunner Stockton back to pass on first down. And it did not work out.

RJ Oben came flying off the edge for Notre Dame and recorded a quick and brilliant strip-sack of Stockton. Junior Tuihalamaka was there for the quick recovery, giving Notre Dame another possession on Georgia’s 13-yard line.

Notre Dame had plenty of time at that point, but the Fighting Irish did not need much. The very next play was a quick pass from Riley Leonard, connecting with Beaux Collins for the 13-yard touchdown entering halftime.

A big key in that first half was Notre Dame’s defense forcing 2 turnovers, that one for a quick touchdown and the other that came with Georgia knocking on the red zone. The Bulldogs have also been ineffective rushing the ball, gaining just 10 total yards on the ground.

We’ll see if anything swings after halftime, but it’s all Notre Dame with a 13-3 lead and getting the ball out of halftime.

Paul Harvey

Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.