There are no doubts left about Notre Dame's authenticity. Thanks to an inexplicable early season loss to Northern Illinois, and the fact that their independent status precludes them from competing for a conference title,

This season, when Penn State has gone against a tougher defense in Ohio State and Oregon, scoring 13 against the Buckeyes and 37 against the Ducks. Notre Dame defense is more statistically similar to OSU’s, so expect an output closer to two scores, which is exactly what the Irish have averaged all year.

The paths of Notre Dame football and Penn State cross Thursday for the first time since 2007 with a spot in the national championship game at stake