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

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.

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.

Recently, longtime college football personality Paul Finebaum took aim at the Irish, saying that many fans in college football are not a fan of them because of their alleged "arrogance" over lack of a conference affiliation.

Several players with Ohio roots will suit up for Notre Dame football in the CFP National Championship game. See the list.