The Marcus Freeman-led Fighting Irish have become a force to be reckoned with, boasting an impressive 14-1 record. Their road to the National Championship game included wins against Indiana, Georgia, and most recently, a nail-biter 27-24 victory over a talented Penn State Nittany Lions team.

Notre Dame kicker Mitch Jeter connected on a 41-yard field goal with seven seconds left in the fourth quarter, propelling the Fighting Irish past the Nittany Lions. The kick came six plays after Penn State quarterback Drew Allar threw an interception with 33 seconds left in the fourth frame, setting Notre Dame up at Penn State's 42-yard line.

Dating back to 1978 when Division I college football split into I-A and I-AA, three programs have won college football national champions as an independent: Miami, Notre Dame and Penn State all did it.