Seventh-seeded Notre Dame faces the task of replacing another key defensive player as it prepares for second-seeded Georgia and a Bulldogs' quarterback the Fighting Irish know little about.

The Georgia Bulldogs are at work, preparing for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sugar Bowl. Here are our observations from the open viewing period.

Watts did get plenty of love from the media, as he was named a consensus All-American. He came up in the clutch against Indiana, with a pick near the goal line. Watts is the best current player on defense for Notre Dame, and still makes plays even when teams try to throw away from his side.

We've got the Notre Dame vs. Georgia. The College Football playoffs enters its second round next week, and the Fighting Irish will face the Bulldogs in the Allstate Sugar Bowl. Notre Dame breezed by Indiana to advance to the quarter-finals,

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

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — No. 7 Notre Dame cruised past No. 10 Indiana 27-17 in the first game of the 12-team College Football Playoff on Friday night. The Fighting Irish advance to play No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1.

The Fighting Irish's star defensive linesman will miss the rest of the 2024 College Football Playoff after suffering a knee injury against Indiana - and his absence will be sorely felt against Georgia