The CFP Semifinals has a near Pick 'Em matchup when Notre Dame (-1.5) clashes with Penn State in the Orange Bowl. Comparably, both are known for their nationally ranked defense and unstoppable rushing talent.
Below, I've highlighted three player props for Notre Dame vs Penn State, featuring Riley Leonard honing in on his passing game and Nicholas Singleton struggling to capitalize on his ground attack.
Prop #1: Riley Leonard OVER 0.5 Passing TDs (-180)
Also outlined in my Orange Bowl preview, Leonard has needed to establish his passing game after past CFP opponents have focused on limited Notre Dame's rush. Penn State has already defeated to prominent running teams, suffocating Ashton Jeanty and allowing just 101 rushing yards per game overall (ranked eighth).
The senior may have 15 rushing touchdowns himself, but he's also nobly averaging 1.7 passing touchdowns per game. Just like time out, Leonard was forced to throw the pigskin to escape Georgia -- especially once star running back Jeremiyah Love was pulled off the field.
Leonard has hit the OVER on 0.5 passing touchdowns in seven straight campaigns.
Prop #2: Beaux Collins OVER 17.5 Receiving Yards (-114)
Piggybacking off my thoughts on Leonard's mentality heading into this matchup, I'm expecting Collins to get a bit more involved on Thursday. The senior made a crucial 13-yard reception in the endzone to get the Irish on the board vs the Bulldogs. He's eclipsed this mark in five of his last eight appearances.
Again, here's no discounting Penn State's rushing defense. It may just be a couple of plays, but Leonard will be forced to sprinkle to ball to his receivers to get down the field.
Prop #3: Nicholas Singleton UNDER 60.5 Rushing Yards (-114)
When it comes to props for the Orange Bowl, I've got to pick a side. For me, i'm higher on Notre Dame's defense than Penn State's -- simply because of the Irish's path through the College Football Playoff being tougher.
I also don't trust Singleton's track record against the toughest rush defenses in Division 1. When the junior went up against Ohio State, he gained just 15 yards on the ground. Well, while the Buckeyes have given up just 100 rushing yards in their last three, the Irish have similarly allowed just 107 yards in the same span.
Marcus Freeman is a defensive-minded head coach and will see Singleton coming from a mile away. His team will be well prepared to fill the gaps and not let him get far from the line of scrimmage.
