Who are the Penn State vs. Notre Dame game announcers on ESPN? All you need to know about the CFP Semi-Final game’s coverage team

The College Football Playoff is nearing its climax as the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions take on the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2025 Orange Bowl. The game, scheduled for Thursday night, will determine which team secures a spot in the national championship game.

Penn State, under coach James Franklin, has looked dominant in the playoffs, easily handling SMU and Boise State with a combined score of 69-24.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame, under coach Marcus Freeman, continues to impress, extending their 12-game winning streak with recent victories over Indiana and Georgia.

Penn State vs. Notre Dame game announcers

The broadcasting team for this high-powered matchup will feature Sean McDonough as the play-by-play announcer and Greg McElroy as the analyst.

A seasoned commentator, McDonough has been a familiar voice in college football for years. His sharp play-by-play skills bring clarity and excitement to the game. On the other hand, McElroy is a former Alabama quarterback and national champion. McElroy provides expert analysis, offering a player’s perspective on strategies and key moments.

What time is the Penn State vs. Notre Dame game?

The Orange Bowl will be played at 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Here are some game details you need to know:

Date: Thursday, Jan. 9

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

TV Channel: ESPN

Streaming: FuboTV

Penn State enters the game after dominating wins in their first two playoff rounds. Quarterback Drew Allar has led the offense effectively, with the team relying heavily on its powerful rushing attack.

Meanwhile, the team's defense has been a standout, limiting seven of their last nine opponents to under 20 points.

Notre Dame, although working with a shorter preparation window due to the Sugar Bowl’s delay, has been on a roll. Their defense, which ranks among the best in the nation, and quarterback Riley Leonard's dual-threat abilities have been key factors in their success.

What to expect in the Penn State vs. Notre Dame matchup

This semifinal showdown will feature two of the most well-rounded teams in the country. Both boast elite rushing attacks and stifling defenses.

Geographically, neither team has a significant advantage. Hard Rock Stadium is roughly equidistant from both campuses, making it a neutral setting for fans.

According to FanDuel, Notre Dame is a slight favorite with a 1.5-point edge. The total points projection sits at 46.5, signaling a low-scoring contest.

For Penn State, running backs Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, alongside quarterback Dre Allar and edge rusher Abdul Carter, will be some key players. Meanwhile, quarterback Riley Leonard and defensive standout Xavier Watts will be the key players for Notre Dame.