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.

Georgia's defense has been inconsistent this season, so it will be important for the unit to bring its best against the Irish.

Irish defensive coordinator al golden was asked on Friday what to expect from Stockton and the Georgia offense, and he was very complimentary. He said about the quarterback that “he’s got moxie” and that Stockton knows how to run the system.

NEW ORLEANS (WNDU) - The Notre Dame football team is New Orleans bound to face the Georgia Bulldogs in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff on New Year’s Day. The Fighting Irish are 12-1 on the season and winners of 11 straight while the SEC-champion Bulldogs are 11-2 and coming off a bye in the first round of the playoff.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden discusses preparing for Georgia and new starting quarterback Gunner Stockton in the Sugar Bowl

The No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs (11-2) play No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-1) game in the Sugar Bowl. Georgia returns to action after having a bye in the first round of the 12-team College Football Playoff after beating Texas in the SEC championship.

Notre Dame fans are rallying behind the Irish as they prepare for an epic College Football Playoff matchup against SEC powerhouse Georgia.

The Georgia Bulldogs will return to action next week when they take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the Sugar Bowl in the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff. Notre Dame advanced past the first round of the playoff via their 27-17 win against the Indiana Hoosiers.