This one hurts really bad.

Penn State football’s 2024 season ended in heartbreak with a 27-24 loss to Notre Dame in the 2025 Orange Bowl, which also served as a College Football Playoff semifinal. The game was back and forth with multiple lead changes and turnovers that turned the tide.

As always, our photographers were on the scene to capture all the action. As painful as it may be to look back, let’s take a peek at some of our favorite (and least favorite) photos from the night.

Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium hosted this edition of the Orange Bowl — one of the more unique-looking venues in football. Outside the stadium, a fan fest entertained Penn Staters and Notre Dame fans alike.

Inside the stadium, a freshly painted field awaited the two historic programs.

Penn State arrived right around sunset. The Miami heat died down as the players made their way into the stadium.

The team made its way to the field for warmups, both with and without pads.

The crew from College GameDay was in attendance, broadcasting live from the field during pregame. Kirk Herbstreit’s dog Peter was also in attendance.

After performances by both schools’ bands, the Nittany Lions took the field. Go time.

After a Ryan Barker field goal, Nick Singleton first found the end zone for the Nittany Lions to put Penn State up 10-0.

The star of the first half was the defense, holding the Irish to only three points in the first two quarters.

Unfortunately for Penn State, the Fighting Irish started the second half hot, going on a 14-0 run to open the half.

The offense was a bit stagnant the entire game, but there were some bright spots from the running backs and tight ends.

Nick Singleton tried his best to keep the Nittany Lions in the driver’s seat, scoring not one…

…but two touchdowns in the second half. For those keeping count, that’s a hat trick on the day.

It would’ve been nice for Penn State fans if the game ended here. Unfortunately, as we all know, that was not the case.

Notre Dame scored a touchdown to tie the game, then after getting the ball back with a chance to drive down and win the game, Drew Allar threw an interception setting the Irish up for their game-winning field goal. It was over.

In a tooth-and-nail battle, the Irish walked away victorious.

That’s all from Penn State’s 2024 season. What a ride it’s been.