Then, for the biggest play of the game, Notre Dame decided to leave Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith on an island. It was third and 12 and the Fighting Irish would get the ball back with a stop with a chance to tie the game. Smith completely burned his defender and he was wide open for a huge gain, and he iced the game.

Why is Notre Dame not in a conference for college football? Here's what to know as the Irish are set to compete in the CFP championship game on Monday:

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have no injury report surprises ahead of the national championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. According to the team, all student-athletes listed on the two-deep depth chart are available. That means that Beaux Collins and Jeremiyah Love should be good to go. Offensive lineman Rocco Spindler, too.