A muddled transfer portal calendar meant the Nittany Lions had to navigate their College Football Playoff run without one of their most dynamic red zone threats

Penn State and Notre Dame will square off at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for a spot in the national title game. If the Nittany Lions win, they’ll face either Ohio State or Texas in the CFP final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Jan. 20.

It's Penn State vs Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Follow along for live score and game updates from the Orange Bowl:

As Penn State's coach, James Franklin owns an abysmal 3-10 record against opponents ranked in the Associated Press Top 10. It's a mark that saw a small but significant boost with Penn State's resounding 31-14 College Football Playoff quarterfinal win against No.

James Franklin coached the Penn State Nittany Lions to a loss in a big game. Franklin cleared one hurdle this year when Penn State finally made the College Football Playoff semifinal after defeating SMU in the first round and Boise State in the second round.

The Penn State Nittany Lions were eliminated from the College Football Payoff last night in the Orange Bowl, losing a ferocious battle that came down to the wire. Penn State HC James Franklin is taking a lot of criticism for his play calling which resulted in a game-changing interception.