A muddled transfer portal calendar meant the Nittany Lions had to navigate their College Football Playoff run without one of their most dynamic red zone threats

Penn State were so close to playing for a national championship. Instead, the Nittany Lions' CFP journey ended in pain at the Orange Bowl.

Penn State football’s season ended Thursday with a 27-24 loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Fighting Irish secured the victory with a game-winning drive, capped off with a field goal from Mitch Jeter.