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.

Day’s Buckeyes had eventual national champion Georgia on tilt in the playoffs a couple of years ago, but the Ohio State lost a heartbreaker. Day’s record vs. Michigan is rough for Buckeyes fans to digest, but Ohio State’s leader is 60 minutes away from potentially adding a national championship to his resume.

"It could have gone sideways fast," said Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden. Four months later, the Fighting Irish are somehow one victory away from capturing their first national championship in 36 years.