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There are many layers to the Al Golden story, from his Jersey Shore roots to his coaching success at football’s highest levels. But peel it all away and what emerges is one of the more compelling storylines surrounding Thursday’s Orange Bowl (7:30 p.m., ESPN) in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
It was as a Penn State tight end that Golden first showed up in the national spotlight, catching the game-tying TD pass from Tony Sacca in the Nittany Lions’ upset of No. 1 Notre Dame in 1990.
It all comes full circle 34 years later.
As the coordinator of a resurgent Notre Dame defense, Golden’s wealth of experience will be invaluable as the Fighting Irish try to take down his alma mater and reach the national championship game.
Oct 14, 2023; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cefensive coordinator Al Golden watches in the third quarter against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
“Al Golden, he’s one of us. He’s a Penn Stater,” Penn State head coach James Franklin said Saturday. “I’ve known Al for a long time. Been a head coach, been in the NFL. He’s doing a great job with their defense.”
Defense wins championships
It’s a winding career path that’s delivered Golden, a Colts Neck native, to this unique moment in college football history. And make no mistake, his fingerprints will be all over the result, with the coaching job he’s done this season widely recognized as one of the best in the country.
The Fighting Irish held Georgia to just 10 points in the Sugar Bowl last week. And only two Notre Dame teams since 1985 have giving up few points-per-game (13.5) than this one: The 1988 national championship team; and the 2012 team that lost to Alabama in the national championship game.
The Nittany Lions are averaging 34.5 points over the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ties-both-sides-jersey-shore-101747053.html
Author : App.com | Asbury Park Press
Publish date : 2025-01-07 10:17:00
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