Both Ohio State and Notre Dame had disappointing late season losses that kept them out of the College Football Playoff, but now they're together in a monster New Year's Day matchup that has to make Fiesta Bowl execs smile.
Ohio State was the preseason No. 1 team after winning last year's national championship and returning pretty much everyone. However, the offense couldn't find its footing as the Buckeyes flipped between Cardale Jones and J.T. Barrett at quarterback. The offensive struggles led to too-close-for-comfort games against Northern Illinois, Indiana and others. OSU didn't play a great team until a home loss to Michigan State late in the season that was highlighted by Ezekiel Elliott calling out the coaches. OSU regrouped and dominated Michigan the next week to finish 11-1.
Notre Dame finished 10-2 after a push for the Playoff, but given the injuries all over the field, it's a miracle the Irish even got to this point. Without quarterback Malik Zaire, running back Tarean Folston and a number of top defenders, Notre Dame took out Temple, Navy, USC and Pitt, and nearly took down both Clemson and Stanford on the road. That was thanks to the play of a stellar offensive line, freshman quarterback DeShone Kizer and running back C.J. Prosise.
This is a matchup of top-notch talent for two teams that didn't see the season playing out this way. And it will make a lot of scouts very happy.