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

Ohio State is fully capable of making Notre Dame pay for its mistakes, but it doesn’t force nearly as many turnovers and commits more on offense as well. The Buckeyes are tied for 54th in the FBS in takeaways (19) and rank 44th in turnover margin (plus-four), which bodes well for the Irish.

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

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.

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.

With just the College Football Playoff national championship game remaining, Before The Snap breaks down the x-factors for the Buckeyes and Fighting Irish.