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

Our Ohio State and Notre Dame beat writers talked Buckeyes vs. Fighting Irish predictions and who will win the CFP national championship game.

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

Doesn't matter where -- around Notre Dame Stadium, past the Grotto or Touchdown Jesus.  The point is, the former Irish athletic director who hired Marcus Freeman should be ripping off his shirt, pounding his chest and whooping at the top of his lungs.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is trying to end a national championship drought for the Fighting Irish that dates back to when he was a toddler. Freeman, 39, was 2 years old when Lou Holtz led Notre Dame to its most recent title in the 1988 season.

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:

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.

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.

The No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on the No. 8 Ohio State Buckeyes on January 20 in the College Football Playoff national title game. Notre Dame's run has been incredible as the Irish have wins over No.