There’s a history of Cincinnati influence in South Bend, including Kelly, who spent three seasons with the Bearcats before taking the Notre Dame job. A year before Kelly poached Freeman, he hired Bearcats defensive backs coach Mike Mickens, a Cincinnati alum who was a teammate of Freeman’s at Wayne High School outside of Dayton.

In a chess match between two quality staffs, these three matchups will be pivotal in deciding the winner of Ohio State vs. Notre Dame football.

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.

Notre Dame faces daunting odds in the CFP National Championship against Ohio State. Here’s what it will take to pull off the upset.

Is Marcus Freeman a candidate for the Chicago Bears opening? Here's everything to know about the NFL rumors surrounding Notre Dame's head coach:

One of the greatest linebackers to ever play football is incredibly impressed with Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame.

Last week, at a news conference before the College Football Playoff semifinals, Penn State coach James Franklin turned to his counterpart, Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, and asked a question. “How old are you now,

Entering the season, Freeman was essentially nowhere to be found on national lists. What a change he has made for both the Irish and himself.

Notre Dame football head coach Marcus Freeman keeps receiving praise. Brian Urlacher is the latest to compliment his abilities.