The Big Ten plays nine conference games in football. So does the Big 12. The Southeastern Conference and the Atlantic Coast Conference are among those playing eight-game league schedules.

Penn State football coach James Franklin thinks the College Football Playoff is a treasured experience for fans of the programs.

Penn State's James Franklin and Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman have broken ground as the first Black head coaches to lead teams to the CFP. Both understand the historic nature of their matchup.

As James Franklin prepares for the Orange Bowl, the Nittany Lions head coach reflected on how two Black head coaches can impact the future.

One head coach will make history by winning the Orange Bowl on Thursday. When Penn State-Notre Dame goes final in the College Football Playoff semifinal either James Franklin or Marcus Freeman will become the first Black head coach to lead a team into the FBS National Championship game.

College football will see its first Black head coach guide his team to the national championship game at the highest level of the game with either Penn State’s James Franklin or Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman.

James Franklin and Marcus Freeman are each enjoying banner seasons leading their respective programs. On Thursday night, Franklin's Penn State team will take on Freeman's Notre Dame squad in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl.