The 12-team playoff system has faced criticism since its conception, but this year’s Notre Dame team serves as a strong argument in its favor. With the semifinals of the College Football playoffs to begin this week,

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.

Notre Dame will be without a tight end as it sits two wins away from its first national championship in 36 years.

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.

By advancing this far, Notre Dame will bring home at least $14 million. It doesn't have to share its winnings with a conference.

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.

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.