Notre Dame is heading to the national championship after taking down Penn State in the Orange Bowl 27–24 in an instant classic. The first half got off to a somewhat slow start as both defenses established themselves rather firmly.

Even though Penn State head coach James Franklin wants to see every team in college football affiliated with a conference, Notre Dame continues to

For the first time since 2012, Notre Dame will play for a national title. The Fighting Irish advanced to the College Football Playoff National Championship with a 27-24 win against Penn State in Thursday evening's Orange Bowl.