Two more games.

No. 6 seed Penn State football is set to take on No. 7 seed Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl on Thursday, renewing a decades-old rivalry between the Nittany Lions and the Fighting Irish. The winner of this game will go onto the national championship to face the winner of Friday’s Ohio State vs. Texas game.

Fernando Martinez Ruiz De Esparza (15-0): Penn State 24, Notre Dame 20

Get ready for a defensive battle, folks.

Penn State played very well in its Fiesta Bowl win against Boise State. Not only did its offense put on a great all-around performance, but its defense was the highlight of the game. It shut down the best running back in the country, Ashton Jeanty, and made Boise State’s offense one-dimensional without having Abdul Carter most of the game. The Nittany Lions will need to have a repeat performance if they are going to win the Orange Bowl, and I think Carter will play in this game.

As for Notre Dame, this team is playing well at the right time. Its defense and special teams are elite. The defense has forced one takeaway in all their 13 wins. For that reason, it’s important that Penn State’s offense takes care of the ball and does not let the Fighting Irish win the turnover battle. Also, their running game is one of the best in the country, so Penn State has a huge challenge ahead of them.

However, I still have a lot of questions about Notre Dame’s offense. They don’t have a passing game and depend a lot on their running game. In their win against Georgia, the offense only scored six points of their 23 points. The other 17 points came from their special teams. That’s why it’s critical that Penn State’s defense shut down the Irish’s running game and force Riley Leonard to win this game.

While I do think Notre Dame has the advantage in special teams, Penn State has the advantage on offense. It is better balanced in the passing game and the running game than the Fighting Irish, and I think this game comes down to who has the better offense since both defenses are equally good. In the end, it’s going to be a close game, but I think Drew Allar and the offense do enough to win this game for the Nittany Lions to head to Atlanta for the national championship.

Michael Siroty (13-0): Penn State 31, Notre Dame 30

This one has instant classic written all over it. Penn State and Notre Dame will bring two of the most loyal fan bases in the country to Miami for what is shaping up to be an incredible College Football Playoff game. With a trip to the national championship on the line, a historic rivalry is being renewed? Sign me up.

Similar to the Nittany Lions, Notre Dame has a good team all around led by quarterback Riley Leonard and running back Jeremiyah Love. However, Penn State’s defense held SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings to a bad game, so I think it can do the same with Leonard, who hasn’t been great in the playoffs. Plus, Penn State bottled up Ashton Jeanty in the quarterfinal round, so Love should be held in check. Don’t get me wrong, I think this will be a fantastic game, but Penn State will ultimately win this game in the trenches by a single point.

Cooper Cazares (14-0): Penn State 24, Notre Dame 20

I usually fade Penn State in big games, but something feels different this time. Things keep falling the Nittany Lions’ way, and I can’t help but think that’ll continue against Notre Dame. I see this coming down to a defensive struggle, however, Penn State’s offense has been clicking as of late so they get the better of Notre Dame in this one. Penn State gets it done and rolls to the national championship game.

CJ Gill (11-1): Penn State 21, Notre Dame 13

I hate Notre Dame. Penn State hates Notre Dame. Everyone hates Notre Dame.

Abdul Carter is going to wreak havoc all game long and ruin Riley Leonard and the Fighting Irish’s party in Miami. The Nittany Lions’ offense is poised to play physical smash-mouth football. Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen will be household names when it’s all said and done. Drew Allar will make all the necessary throws to keep the offense on schedule. The defense will come up with a huge turnover late in the game to seal the victory and head to the national championship.

Jamie Lynch (13-2): Penn State 24, Notre Dame 17

Penn State. Notre Dame. Two historical goliaths in the college football realm. One spot in the national championship. Can you say cinema?

I truly think Penn State is set up well to win this game. I wasn’t overly impressed by Notre Dame in their win over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Their offense came across as very one-dimensional, lacking talent in the passing game.

If the Nittany Lions can take away the run threat from Riley Leonard, and limit the Fighting Irish’s talented ground game, they should be in great shape.

I think both defenses will come to play, but I expect a huge game from Tom Allen’s squad on Thursday. Maybe I’m reading way too far into Abdul Carter’s Star Wars Instagram rampage, but this unit is undoubtedly hungry.

I also think Penn State has the offensive playmakers needed to win. Drew Allar must find Tyler Warren as he has all season. I think the fact that the most talented player on the field for Penn State is a tight end is very beneficial, as Allar should be able to get the ball out quickly and downfield while limiting the impact of Notre Dame’s pressure.

This is it. One win away from playing for all the glory. Dreams and Nightmares, 0:12.

Nolan Wick (14-1): Notre Dame 38, Penn State 35

For what it’s worth, this game is a coin toss.

I’m picking Notre Dame, and there are a few reasons why. The Fighting Irish handily beat a good Georgia team, whereas Penn State has played in big games, but not against anyone elite. Although the Nittany Lions have been playing great football recently, Notre Dame’s win over Georgia says a lot about the kind of team it is, even though the Bulldogs didn’t have their starting quarterback.

This game will come down to run defense and receivers. Notre Dame has a better run defense, which should prove challenging even for Penn State’s dominant backfield. Meanwhile, with the exception of Tyler Warren, Penn State’s pass-catching options have been inconsistent and mediocre at best this season. Given their play, it would be foolish to rely on them to win a playoff game.

Even though I think Notre Dame wins, Penn State is capable of beating anyone left if the coaching staff doesn’t overthink things and everyone executes. But, as we’ve seen this season, that’s plenty to ask for. It’s been a fun ride, so I hope I’m wrong.

CJ Doebler (14-1): Penn State 17, Notre Dame 14

Get ready for some traditional smashmouth football, folks.

Both of these teams are going to try and run the ball down each other’s throats, and we’re in for a low-scoring, defensive matchup in Miami on Thursday.

However, I do think Penn State holds the advantage in a game such as this one. If Abdul Carter takes the field, which I think he will, the Fighting Irish won’t be able to garner any offense. Even if he doesn’t, I still think the front seven will be too much for Notre Dame to handle. Stopping Ashton Jeanty wasn’t a fluke, and I think we see another stout performance on Thursday.

Mitch Corcoran (14-1): Penn State 27, Notre Dame 17

I think Penn State’s defense will determine how this game goes. Notre Dame lives and dies by the run and if the Nittany Lions can win at the line of scrimmage and get in the backfield, the Fighting Irish will have trouble all night long.

But the same could be said for Notre Dame’s defense. If it can slow down Nick Singleton, Kaytron Allen, and presser Drew Allar, Penn State will be in serious trouble. However, I think the former will happen.

Penn State held Ashton Jeanty last week to a season-low 104 yards and no touchdowns. Notre Dame’s offense hasn’t looked like anything special this offseason and the Nittany Lions offense has been playing its best of the entire season.

Joe Lister (13-2): Penn State 100,000,000,000,000, Notre Dame 0

I want the leprechaun to cry.