Notre Dame vs Georgia: History of Their Football Rivalry

The phrase “Notre Dame vs Georgia” brings to mind thrilling games, passionate fans, and some of the most talked-about moments in college football. These two powerhouse programs have clashed only a few times, but each battle has carried immense weight. Whether it’s for a national title, a playoff position, or pride, every game has been unforgettable.

This detailed guide breaks down the Notre Dame vs Georgia rivalry—from its beginnings to its latest matchups—and shows why this rivalry captures attention across the nation.

The First Clash: 1981 Sugar Bowl

The first official game between Notre Dame and Georgia happened on January 1, 1981, at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans. This game was more than a bowl match—it was the national championship decider.

Georgia came into the game with an undefeated season and was led by a freshman sensation, Herschel Walker. Despite a strong effort from Notre Dame, Georgia’s defense and special teams proved dominant. Walker rushed for over 150 yards, and Georgia won the game 17-10, claiming the national title.

Key Highlights:

Georgia remained unbeaten (12-0).
Herschel Walker’s powerful performance.
Notre Dame couldn’t score a touchdown until late in the game.

That win launched Georgia into football royalty, while Notre Dame took the loss as motivation for seasons to come.

Notre Dame vs Georgia: 2017 Return to Action

After nearly four decades, the teams met again on September 9, 2017, in South Bend, Indiana. The excitement was massive—fans traveled in waves, and ticket prices reached sky-high levels.

Georgia was coming into the season with high hopes. Their quarterback Jacob Eason was injured, so Jake Fromm, a true freshman, started in a tough road environment. Notre Dame, led by Brandon Wimbush, looked to bounce back from a disappointing 2016 season.

The game turned into a gritty, defensive battle. Georgia won 20-19, thanks to a strong ground game and clutch defense. Notre Dame had chances late in the fourth quarter but failed to score.

Why It Mattered:

Georgia’s defense forced key turnovers.
Notre Dame’s four field goals weren’t enough.
It sparked Georgia’s run to the national championship game that year.

This matchup reignited the Notre Dame vs Georgia rivalry for a new generation of fans.

2019 Rematch in Athens: A Top-10 Showdown

The next chapter unfolded on September 21, 2019, in Athens, Georgia, in front of a record-breaking crowd. Both teams entered the game ranked in the Top 10, and expectations were sky-high.

This game was historic for another reason—it was the first time Notre Dame had ever played in Athens.

Game Summary:

Georgia won 23-17.
Notre Dame’s quarterback Ian Book threw for two touchdowns.
Georgia’s D’Andre Swift rushed for nearly 100 yards.
The Bulldogs’ defense came up big in the fourth quarter.

The stadium atmosphere was electric, and both fanbases showed up in huge numbers. This game added more heat to the Notre Dame vs Georgia series and proved that both teams deserved national respect.

2025 Sugar Bowl: Notre Dame Breaks Through

One of the most anticipated matchups in recent memory came in the 2025 Sugar Bowl, part of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. This was a win-or-go-home scenario, and tensions were high.

Notre Dame, led by a veteran core, entered the game with a 12-1 record. Georgia came in at 11-2 but was without their starting quarterback, who had undergone elbow surgery just weeks before.

Final Score: Notre Dame 23, Georgia 10

Key Points:

Notre Dame’s defense forced multiple turnovers.
Georgia’s offense struggled without its starting QB.
Notre Dame controlled the pace of the game from start to finish.

This was Notre Dame’s first-ever win against Georgia, snapping the Bulldogs’ 3-0 streak in the rivalry. It was also a massive step for Notre Dame, which had been criticized in past years for falling short in big bowl games.

Comparing Team Styles: Defense and Discipline

In every Notre Dame vs Georgia battle, defense played a central role. Both teams focus heavily on fundamentals, toughness, and physical play. But their offensive approaches differ slightly.

Notre Dame:

Strong at the line of scrimmage.
Balanced run-pass playcalling.
Big focus on tight end play and blocking schemes.

Georgia:

Dominant running backs.
Powerful front seven on defense.
Quick, physical wide receivers.

What makes this rivalry even more exciting is how both programs adapt. Every meeting has involved new strategies and coaching adjustments that add a layer of unpredictability.

Fan Impact: Notre Dame vs Georgia Travels Well

Another fascinating element of this rivalry is the fan presence. In both 2017 and 2019, opposing fans packed stadiums far from home. Georgia fans swarmed South Bend. Two years later, Notre Dame fans painted Athens blue and gold.

Ticket prices soared. Merch sales boomed. And the buzz around each matchup reached well beyond just college football circles.

This shows that Notre Dame vs Georgia is not just about football—it’s about school pride, tradition, and national visibility.

Coaching Battles: Smart vs Kelly, Smart vs Freeman

When Kirby Smart took over at Georgia, he brought a new attitude to the program—defense-first, tough-minded, and SEC-ready. In both 2017 and 2019, he faced off against Brian Kelly, Notre Dame’s long-standing head coach.

By 2025, Marcus Freeman had taken the reins at Notre Dame. His win in the Sugar Bowl showed a new era had arrived in South Bend. The Irish weren’t just contenders—they were capable of beating the best.

Smart’s Bulldogs have stayed consistent, but Freeman’s Irish are clearly rising.

Recruiting and NFL Talent

One reason why Notre Dame vs Georgia stays relevant is the NFL-level talent on both rosters. Each game showcases future draft picks at nearly every position.

Notable Players from the Rivalry:

Herschel Walker (1981) – Georgia RB, NFL legend.
Roquan Smith (2017) – Georgia LB, Bears/Ravens.
Chase Claypool (2019) – Notre Dame WR, Steelers.
D’Andre Swift (2019) – Georgia RB, NFL starter.
Kyle Hamilton (2025) – Notre Dame DB, future All-Pro.

The rivalry has become a proving ground for top-tier talent, with scouts watching every snap.

National Implications of Each Game

Every Notre Dame vs Georgia game has had high stakes—either for national rankings, playoff qualification, or bowl prestige.

Their 1981 matchup was for a national title.

The 2017 and 2019 games influenced College Football Playoff rankings.

The 2025 Sugar Bowl was part of the CFP elimination bracket.

These games are never just about bragging rights—they affect the entire landscape of college football.

Game Stats Across Matchups

Here’s a look at some basic numbers from their four meetings:

Year	Winner	Score	Location
1981	Georgia	17-10	New Orleans
2017	Georgia	20-19	South Bend
2019	Georgia	23-17	Athens
2025	Notre Dame	23-10	New Orleans

Georgia leads the series 3-1, but Notre Dame’s latest win could be a turning point.

What’s Next for Notre Dame vs Georgia?

Will these teams meet again soon? It’s very possible.

With the new 12-team College Football Playoff format, there’s a higher chance of cross-conference battles like this. Fans on both sides are eager for a fifth matchup, especially since the series is now more competitive.

Both programs are recruiting at a high level. Both are playoff contenders almost every season. And both carry national brands that guarantee huge viewership.

The next chapter in Notre Dame vs Georgia could be even bigger than the last.

Frequently Asked Question

1. When did Notre Dame first play against Georgia?

Notre Dame first faced Georgia in the 1981 Sugar Bowl, where Georgia won 17-10 and claimed the national title.

2. How many times have Notre Dame and Georgia played each other?

They have played four times as of 2025. Georgia leads the series with 3 wins, while Notre Dame has 1 win.

3. Who won the most recent Notre Dame vs Georgia game?

Notre Dame won the most recent game in the 2025 Sugar Bowl, defeating Georgia 23-10.

4. What was at stake in the 2025 Notre Dame vs Georgia game?

The 2025 clash was part of the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, making it a win-or-go-home scenario.

5. Who was Georgia’s key player in the 1981 Sugar Bowl?

Herschel Walker led Georgia to victory with over 150 rushing yards, securing the national title.

6. Has Notre Dame ever beaten Georgia?

Yes, Notre Dame earned its first victory against Georgia in 2025 after losing the previous three games.

7. Where was the 2019 Notre Dame vs Georgia game played?

The game took place at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, in front of a record-breaking crowd.

8. Who were the quarterbacks in the 2017 game?

Jake Fromm started for Georgia, replacing the injured Jacob Eason, and Brandon Wimbush led Notre Dame.

9. Do Notre Dame and Georgia have a regular rivalry?

No, their matchups are infrequent but always significant due to both programs’ historic success.

10. Will Notre Dame and Georgia face off again soon?

There’s no confirmed schedule, but future playoff formats could set up another high-stakes showdown.

Final Thoughts

The Notre Dame vs Georgia rivalry might not have the frequency of other college football feuds, but it delivers every time they meet. From the 1981 Sugar Bowl to the 2025 playoff thriller, these games are filled with drama, talent, and lasting memories.

The Fighting Irish and the Bulldogs have shown that even with few matchups, a rivalry can become legendary.

As of now, Georgia still leads the series. But Notre Dame’s recent win proves that things can change—and fast.

So when we talk about college football greatness, remember this rivalry. Notre Dame vs Georgia isn’t just a game—it’s a showcase of power, tradition, and pride.