“That might sound funny to some people,” Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden said. “But it's true." Here's why: Notre Dame was coming off a stunner of a Week 2 loss, 16-14 to Northern Illinois. All week long, the Irish heard the whisper

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden was a Penn State captain and almost its head coach. Now he leads the Fighting Irish's stout defense vs. the Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl.

The Irish have been so well coached that NFL teams have taken notice. In recent weeks, reports have indicated that Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and defensive coordinator Al Golden are receiving interest from the professional ranks.

"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.

In this CFP final showdown of the top two scoring defenses at the FBS level, the raw numbers still don’t do justice to their dominance.

“That might sound funny to some people,” Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden ... the loss to Northern Illinois been handled differently, this might not have happened. Golden said ...

7, Notre Dame fell to Northern Illinois ... "It could have gone sideways fast," Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden said. Four months later, the Fighting Irish are somehow one victory ...

Ohio State is trying for its sixth title, and first since its 2014 team won the inaugural CFP. Notre Dame is going for its 12th title, and first since 1988.

Jagusah wasn't supposed to be in uniform at Hard Rock Stadium, recounting his performance in Notre Dame's 27-24 victory against Penn State in the College Football Playoff Semifina

I spoke to Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman about destiny. Now his Irish are playing for the national champinship. And there's more to the story.

The College Football Playoff is down to its final game, as Notre Dame and Ohio State meet in Atlanta, Ga. with the national championship on the line on Monday night. The Fighting Irish aim to end a long title drought by winning their first title since 1988.

The two most recent Buckeyes victories came in 2022 and 2023. Ohio State won 21-10 in ’22 and then scored with one second left in South Bend to grab a 17-14 victory last season. The Irish had only 10 players on the field on the winning 1-yard touchdown run, leaving a bitter taste in the team’s mouth.