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.

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.

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.

Watts did get plenty of love from the media, as he was named a consensus All-American. He came up in the clutch against Indiana, with a pick near the goal line. Watts is the best current player on defense for Notre Dame, and still makes plays even when teams try to throw away from his side.

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

One of the most anticipated matchups in the second round of the College Football Playoff will take place in the Sugar Bowl, where the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — No. 7 Notre Dame cruised past No. 10 Indiana 27-17 in the first game of the 12-team College Football Playoff on Friday night. The Fighting Irish advance to play No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.

Now, Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame have the chance for a program-validating win on New Year’s Day in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia. Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs have been the standard of excellence in college football recently.

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