Notre Dame vs Penn State Same Game Parlay | CFP Semifinals Orange Bowl Best Bets
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The No. 7 seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish square up against the No. 6 seeded Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl on Thursday with a spot in the National Championship game on the line. Build your perfect Same Game Parlay with SportsGrid.
CFP Betting Guide
Best Bets: ND vs PSU | OSU vs TEX Player Props: Notre Dame | Penn State Texas | Ohio State CFP Previews: 2-Game SGP | Final 4 Power Rankings
Leg 1: Notre Dame -1.5 (-108)
No team has excelled at covering the spread this season quite like the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Sugar Bowl champions boast an impressive 12-2 record against the spread (ATS), having covered the line in a remarkable 10 consecutive games. Critics may point to Notre Dame’s relatively weaker schedule, but the Irish have proven their mettle in two pivotal playoff matchups. They first secured a decisive win over the Indiana Hoosiers as 6.5-point favorites, then followed up with another triumph as narrow -1 favorites against the second-ranked Georgia Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, the Penn State Nittany Lions have struggled in the underdog role this season. Penn State is 0-2 ATS as underdogs, falling decisively to the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oregon Ducks. Expect the Fighting Irish to extend their ATS streak and continue their impressive postseason run.
Leg 2: Notre Dame vs Penn State Under 45.5 (-120)
When two defensive powerhouses collide, it’s hard to envision a high-scoring affair. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Penn State Nittany Lions both come into the Orange Bowl with elite defensive resumes, making the Under 45.5 the best bet for this matchup.
Notre Dame boasts the second-ranked scoring defense in the nation, allowing just 13.6 points per game this season. Even against elite competition, the Irish have held their ground. They surrendered only 17 points to the Hoosiers in the opening round of the playoffs and followed that up with a dominant performance, holding the Georgia Bulldogs to just 10 points in the quarterfinals.
On the other side, Penn State’s defense has been the backbone of their success, ranking seventh in scoring defense and sixth in total defense. Their ability to stifle opposing offenses has been tested against some of the nation’s top programs, and they’ve consistently delivered. The Nittany Lions have stayed under the total in nine of 15 games this season, reflecting their defensive-first approach.
These trends align with recent performances for both squads. Notre Dame has hit the under in both playoff games and in three of their last five overall. Given both teams’ defensive prowess, the game script in the Orange Bowl is likely to mirror what we’ve seen all season: a grind-it-out defensive battle. Expect this one to fall comfortably under the 45.5-point total as defense takes center stage.
CFP Matchup Pages
ND vs PSU | OSU vs TEX
Leg 3: Jeremiyah Love Anytime Touchdown (+105)
The Fighting Irish have no shortage of playmakers in their backfield, with dual-threat quarterback Riley Leonard and Jadarian Price both contributing to the ground attack. However, it’s Jeremiyah Love who stands out as the go-to option and a top candidate to score in the Orange Bowl.
Love’s consistency has been nothing short of remarkable this season. The sophomore phenom found the end zone in every game leading up to the Sugar Bowl, racking up an impressive 16 rushing touchdowns despite splitting carries with Leonard and Price. On top of that, Love has showcased his versatility with two receiving touchdowns, proving he’s a reliable asset in all facets of the offense.
With his ability to produce both on the ground and through the air, Love has been the backbone of Notre Dame’s offense. Penn State’s defense will undoubtedly have its hands full, and we’re betting on Love to find the end zone yet again in this CFP semifinal showdown.
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Leg 4: Kaytron Allen Over 58.5 Rushing Yards (-114)
What makes Penn State’s offense dangerous is their two-headed rushing monster of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, a duo that has been nearly unstoppable. While Singleton gets much of the spotlight, Allen’s recent performances demand attention, as he’s emerged as the 1B in Penn State’s backfield tandem.
Allen has been on a tear, racking up 328 rushing yards on just 42 carries (7.8 yards per attempt) across his last three games. Despite splitting carries, Allen’s efficiency and explosive play potential make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Notre Dame’s run defense will challenge Allen, but the junior running back has proven capable of beating even the toughest fronts. His rushing total is modest due to his timeshare role, but don’t let that fool you—Allen is well-positioned to surpass 58.5 yards in Thursday’s semifinal matchup.
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CFP Orange Bowl Notre Dame vs Penn State SGP Payout: +1259
This carefully crafted same-game parlay offers incredible value at +1259, combining smart picks rooted in trends and player performance. From capitalizing on Notre Dame’s defensive dominance to Penn State’s rushing attack and red-zone efficiency, every leg of this parlay leverages key matchups and data. With a mix of risk and reward, this parlay provides bettors with a high-upside opportunity to cash in on what promises to be a tightly contested Orange Bowl showdown. Buckle up, place your bets, and enjoy the action—this payout could make your night one to remember!
All Odds Courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
