In this CFP, the Irish are winning over some people. Or maybe they're just benefitting from the distaste many feel for their opponents.

Jan 2, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Jayden Harrison (2) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second half against Georgia Bulldogs at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images / Amber Searls-Imagn Images

For the first time in 17 years, Notre Dame and Penn State are set to face off on a football field. This time, there's a lot on the line, as the 7-seed Fighting Irish will play the 6-seed Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl,

While the Fighting Irish are preparing for the Orange Bowl against the Penn State Nittany Lions, Notre Dame made an announcement about head coach Marcus Freeman. Freeman has officially been named the George Munger Coach of the Year. "Leading by example," Notre Dame captioned the post about Freeman.

Heading into the Orange Bowl, the Fighting Irish are finally showing signs that they can compete at the top of the sport in the modern era.

Penn State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and Texas are all that remain of the 134 FBS teams who began the year with playoff dreams. One of them will be crowned national champion on January 20.

Notre Dame got here by topping Georgia in the CFP quarterfinals at the Sugar Bowl, a game that was delayed one day because of the truck attack in New Orleans. Penn State got its semifinal slot by topping Boise State at the Fiesta Bowl two days earlier.

Penn State and Notre Dame have been playing each other in football for over 100 years. Take a look back in history at those moments.

Notre Dame brings a rich history to the College Football Playoff semifinals, but it's been quite a while since the Fighting Irish won it all.

How Notre Dame is Fighting for the Championship