That’s one advantage of the new 12-team playoff era. Teams can learn from their mistakes. But it takes a special coaching staff and special group of players to capitalize on lessons learned. They believe they can beat anyone, even if they appear outmatched.

ATLANTA -- "Think traditionally, but without traditional thinking." Those were the words of Ross Bjork, the still-new Ohio State athletic director during the Saturday morning media day ahead of Monday night's College Football Playoff National Championship game.

The College Football Playoff is down to its final game, as Notre Dame and Ohio State meet in Atlanta, Ga. with the national championship on the line on Monday night. The Fighting Irish aim to end a long title drought by winning their first title since 1988.