Notre Dame fans are rallying behind the Irish as they prepare for an epic College Football Playoff matchup against SEC powerhouse Georgia.

Seventh-seeded Notre Dame faces the task of replacing another key defensive player as it prepares for second-seeded Georgia and a Bulldogs' quarterback the Fighting Irish know little about.

Here are the key matchups to watch in the trenches.

Georgia and Notre Dame are set to square off in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal round at the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day. Let’s check in with the latest prediction for the matchup from an expert football model that simulates games.

Georgia's defense has been inconsistent this season, so it will be important for the unit to bring its best against the Irish.

NEW ORLEANS (WNDU) - The Notre Dame football team is New Orleans bound to face the Georgia Bulldogs in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff on New Year’s Day. The Fighting Irish are 12-1 on the season and winners of 11 straight while the SEC-champion Bulldogs are 11-2 and coming off a bye in the first round of the playoff.

The Georgia Bulldogs are at work, preparing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sugar Bowl. Here are our observations from the open viewing period.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden discusses preparing for Georgia and new starting quarterback Gunner Stockton in the Sugar Bowl

Notre Dame’s family-oriented program culture is paying off on and off the field. Discover how it fosters success and attracts talent.

The Fighting Irish's star defensive linesman will miss the rest of the 2024 College Football Playoff after suffering a knee injury against Indiana - and his absence will be sorely felt against Georgia