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

While Notre Dame’s win against Georgia was the first win in a big bowl game in more than 30 years, Penn State is still searching for that level of win under James Franklin. The Nittany Lions had the so-called easy path to the semifinals and took advantage with a dominant win against SMU and a comfortable win against Boise State.

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.

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.