In the aftermath of a tragic attack in New Orleans early Wednesday morning that claimed the lives of at least 14 people and left dozens injured, the Sugar Bowl has been postponed and rescheduled for Thursday. The matchup between Notre Dame and Georgia will now take place at the Superdome, marking the final College Football Playoff quarterfinal. The winner will advance to face Penn State in the national semifinals, which took place last week.
Security measures for the game will be significantly heightened due to its proximity—less than a mile—from the site of the attack. FBI officials have described the incident as an "act of terrorism" believed to have been carried out by a lone perpetrator. Despite the somber circumstances, tourists gathered in the French Quarter on Thursday, with Bourbon Street officially reopening at 3 p.m. ET.
On the field, Georgia will face a setback as quarterback Carson Beck, who sustained an elbow injury during the SEC Championship, will not play in the Sugar Bowl following surgery. Gunner Stockton is expected to take over as quarterback for the Bulldogs.
Notre Dame secured their spot in the quarterfinals after defeating in-state rival Indiana 27-17 in the first round, while Georgia advanced with a bye as the Playoff's No. 2 seed.