Bob Asmussen | My pick: Ohio State gives Big Ten football its second consecutive national champion
Notre Dame is looking for its first national title since 1988. It is playing in the finale for the second time in the playoff era. Alabama routed Notre Dame 42-14 in the 2013 championship. The Irish were coached by Brian Kelly, who interestingly left later for LSU so he would have a better shot at the national title. Funny how that worked out.