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,

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.

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.