Notre Dame Advances to Championship Despite Flu

Notre Dame's football team overcame a flu outbreak among its players to secure a thrilling 27-24 victory over Penn State in the Orange Bowl, advancing to the national championship. Despite the illness primarily affecting backup and special teams players, the team managed to perform effectively. Quarterback Riley Leonard, who was briefly sidelined with a potential concussion, returned to lead a key touchdown drive, and kicker Mitch Jeter clinched the win with a last-minute field goal. The flu outbreak, reported to have subsided somewhat before the game, did not impact the team's ability to compete. Penn State also faced challenges, with star defensive end Abdul Carter's status uncertain due to a shoulder injury. The win marks Notre Dame's second advancement to the national title game in the past 15 years.