Notre Dame is about to face Penn State in the Orange Bowl for a trip to the national championship game. They have deftly navigated a number of challenges in their march through the postseason.

Which team will earn the first spot into the College Football Playoff title game? Here's three things that could decide Notre Dame vs. Penn State.

Notre Dame defensive coordinator Al Golden was a Penn State captain and almost its head coach. Now he leads the Fighting Irish's stout defense vs. the Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl.