The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are gearing up for a pivotal College Football Playoff semifinal clash against Penn State, but they're facing an unexpected opponent: the flu. Reports surfaced that several players have been affected by the illness, though it seems to have primarily impacted backup and special teams players. While recent updates suggest the situation has improved, the team remains vigilant as they prepare for the high-stakes matchup.

A close-up of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish logo at midfield during a game against Ohio State at Notre Dame Stadium on September 23, 2023, in South Bend, Indiana. (Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Fighting Irish enter the Orange Bowl with momentum after a resounding victory over the second-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in the quarterfinals. Their impressive run follows a surprising early-season home loss to Northern Illinois, which they've rebounded from with twelve straight wins. Now, they stand just one win away from their second national championship game appearance in 15 years.

Notre Dame cheerleaders display the team logo during a game against Stanford at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2024, in South Bend, Indiana. (Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

However, Penn State presents a formidable challenge. The Nittany Lions, the sixth seed in the playoff bracket, effectively contained Boise State's star running back Ashton Jeanty in their previous game. This defensive prowess poses a concern for Notre Dame, especially considering their quarterback Riley Leonard's modest passing performance against Georgia. The Irish will need to find offensive solutions to overcome Penn State's strong defense.

This marks Notre Dame's third appearance in the College Football Playoffs, having previously reached the semifinals in 2018 and 2020. Despite the flu bug and the tough competition, the Fighting Irish are determined to overcome adversity and advance to the championship game.