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,

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

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

We know the narrative about Notre Dame football and New Year's Day bowls, but these Irish may be a tougher, tested, together team as Georgia awaits

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.

The winners advance to the College Football Playoff National Championship, which will be held on Jan. 20 at 5:30 p.m. MST on ESPN. Regardless of which football program comes out on top, it will be the school’s first national championship in at least 10 years, according to USA Today.

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.