"Facts. Notre Dame plays a bunch of JV teams": CFB Fans stand completely divided by James Franklin's conference comment

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Penn State Nittany Lions will face off in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. Both teams enjoyed impressive regular seasons, but only one was in an actual conference in 2024.

Penn State coach James Franklin ensured the facts were called out at the press conference before the crunch matchup. Franklin said:

"This is no knock at Coach or Notre Dame, but I think everybody should be in a conference."

This statement elicited numerous reactions from the college football world:

Another fan said, "They should join the B1G. Independent teams shouldn’t be allowed in the CFP."

A fan added. "He’s truthful though, regardless of ND’s schedule it’s about SEC and BIG 10 and ACC everybody should play the same amount of conference games, make it consistent"

Some fans were on Coach Freeman's side:

Another chipped in, "ND doesn't need a conference. More schools would love to be in that boat."

Another added, "Yeah, Notre Dame winning tomorrow."

How to watch Notre Dame vs Penn State

James Franklin's words might serve as motivation when the Fighting Irish face his side in the CFP semifinals. The game will be broadcast live from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, on Thursday, Jan. 9, at 4:30 p.m. PT.

Here's what you need to know about the showdown:

• Date: Thursday, January 9, 2025
• Live stream: FuboTV and DAZN
• Time: 4:30 p.m. PT
• TV: ESPN
• Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida

The winner will advance to the National Championship Game, where they'll face the winner of the Ohio State Buckeyes versus Texas Longhorns game.

Players to watch in Notre Dame vs Penn State

Numerous elite players will feature in the 2025 Orange Bowl. Here's a look at two standouts:

Jeremiyah Love, Running Back - Notre Dame

Jeremiyah Love is a special player. The running back is a key contributor to the Fighting Irish's offense. He is a workhorse back with decent pass-catching chops when required.

Love enters the game with a lingering knee injury, but it doesn't seem serious enough to keep him off the Gridiron. Fighting Irish fans will hope for another statement play after his 98-yard touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round of the playoffs.

Tyler Warren, Tight End - Penn State

Tyler Warren is the starting tight end and arguably the best receiver on the Nittany Lions. Warren is big, strong and coordinated, and he is a nightmare for defenses when he's on his game.

The senior is as versatile as they come, racking up eight receiving touchdowns and four rushing TDs in 2024. Notre Dame will have its work cut out as it tries to contain him in the Orange Bowl.