Both the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish elevated their programs to championship caliber with big moves in the offseason

Buckeye fans can relax (a little) because history indicates the odds are in their favor for the national championship game.

Day’s Buckeyes had eventual national champion Georgia on tilt in the playoffs a couple of years ago, but the Ohio State lost a heartbreaker. Day’s record vs. Michigan is rough for Buckeyes fans to digest, but Ohio State’s leader is 60 minutes away from potentially adding a national championship to his resume.

Former Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz fired a jab at Ohio State coach Ryan Day Wednesday, continuing one of college football's strangest feuds. Responding to an ESPN video questioning whether Holtz would attend the College Football Playoff National Championship Monday,

Notre Dame will face Penn State in the College Football Playoff semifinal in Miami, the sixth time the Fighting Irish have played in the Orange Bowl.

"It could have gone sideways fast," said Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden. Four months later, the Fighting Irish are somehow one victory away from capturing their first national championship in 36 years.

Doesn't matter where -- around Notre Dame Stadium, past the Grotto or Touchdown Jesus.  The point is, the former Irish athletic director who hired Marcus Freeman should be ripping off his shirt, pounding his chest and whooping at the top of his lungs.

Notre Dame fans and players unite in their underdog role as they face a tough challenge in the CFP National Championship.

Our Notre Dame and Ohio State beat writers talked Fighting Irish vs. Buckeyes predictions and who will win in a college football Reddit AMA.