Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates a touch down in the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

A sophomore running back, Jeremiyah Love wore a knee brace during the portion of Notre Dame football practice on Jan. 5 that was open to the media.

Jeremiyah Love was instrumental in Notre Dame's Orange Bowl win over Penn State on Thursday, showing heart and determination by playing with a seemingly compromised knee

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love put as much effort into a two-yard run as you will ever see on Thursday night against Penn State. With the Orange Bowl tied 10–10 and a berth in the College Football Playoff national championship on the line, the Fighting Irish were driving and poised to take their first lead of the game.

Jeremiyah Love could not be kept out of the end zone during Notre Dame’s Orange Bowl battle with Penn State on Thursday night, and gave an incredible effort to score a wild touchdown for the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame football is not the most glamorous team in the country. They do not possess a high-powered passing attack. This program is defined by its toughness and physicality. Those traits were on full display during a crucial touchdown against Penn State in Thursday night’s 27-24 win in the College Football Playoff Semifinals.