Paul Finebaum criticizes Kirby Smart's 'terrible' call during the first half against Notre Dame

Notre Dame defeated Georgia in the Sugar Bowl 23-10 and will face Penn State in the Orange Bowl. This College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchup showcased a defensive showdown for most of the game. However, a crucial 17-point swing spanning the first half's end and the second half's start proved essential in the Fighting Irish’s triumph over the Bulldogs.

The game-changing moment occurred late in the first half. With less than a minute remaining, Notre Dame kicker Mitch Jeter connected on a 48-yard field goal, putting the Irish up 6-3.

On the ensuing Georgia possession, backup quarterback Gunner Stockton was strip-sacked on the first play, and Notre Dame recovered in the red zone. Moments later, quarterback Riley Leonard found receiver Beaux Collins for a touchdown, giving Notre Dame a 13-3 halftime lead.

This sequence became a focal point of criticism, and ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum delivered a critique of Georgia coach Kirby Smart’s decision-making on Thursday's episode of "Get Up."

“It was just a terrible call in every respect. And I think Kirby Smart even admitted that at halftime,” Finebaum said. “It's easy to say after the fact, but when you have a quarterback who is struggling, he's made some good plays, but you're not that confident in him, don't put the game in his hands when you're only three points behind and everyone in America saw what happened after that mistake.”

Finebaum also pointed the finger at Georgia's offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo.

“They will not be blaming Kirby Smart,” Finebaum said. “They’ll be blaming Mike Bobo, who is the offensive coordinator. ... He’s Kirby Smart’s best friend."

Kirby Smart explains questionable play call in playoff exit

Kirby Smart’s decision to have Gunner Stockton attempt a pass from Georgia’s 25-yard line with only 38 seconds remaining in the first half sparked significant backlash.

Defensive end RJ Oben’s strip-sack set up a quick Notre Dame touchdown, giving them all the momentum heading into the break. Despite the costly outcome, Smart defended his decision in his postgame remarks.

"Typically, when you're down, you need every possession you can have, and we made a decision that we were going to be aggressive and we were going to try to go two-minute, and that's what everything says you should do," Smart said.

"You can't give up possessions when you're trailing. We felt like we had a little quick-game pass. Certainly not counting on getting beat that quick at left tackle, and got a sack-fumble, which gave them some momentum."

However, Georgia’s offense had already struggled earlier in the half. Stockton’s three consecutive incomplete passes left just enough time for Notre Dame to march down the field for a field goal.

Smart’s reliance on Stockton, an inexperienced quarterback stepping in for injured starter Carson Beck, drew sharp criticism. Adding to the drama, Smart expressed frustration with officiating regarding a substitution by Notre Dame.

He said that the officials in the Southeastern Conference told him that an 11-man substitution, such as the one Notre Dame performed, was illegal,

Despite his complaints, the call stood, further cementing Notre Dame’s control of the game.

Ultimately, Notre Dame’s physical defense and effective rushing attack led them to victory, ending Georgia’s bid for a national title.