The Fighting Irish (12-1) finished with a 27-17 victory against Indiana, giving up two touchdowns in the final two minutes after building a 27-3 lead. Now Notre Dame has to replace Mills, its sack leader this season, for the game against Georgia (11-2). Kickoff for the Sugar Bowl is scheduled for Wednesday at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Now, Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame have the chance for a program-validating win on New Year’s Day in the Sugar Bowl against Georgia. Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs have been the standard of excellence in college football recently.

Oct 28, 2023; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Jaden Mickey (7) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports