Tommy Tremble
FILE - In this Nov. 27, 2020, file photo, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly directs his team during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP, File
Notre Dame seeking a jumpstart against Alabama in CFP semi

By John Fineran Dec. 29, 2020 04:37 PM EST

FILE - In this Oct. 31, 2020, file photo, Ohio State coach Ryan Day looks at the scoreboard during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)
CFP matchups: What will decide Tide-Irish, Tigers-Buckeyes?

By Ralph D. Russo Dec. 27, 2020 11:35 AM EST

Notre Dame's Kyren Williams (23) scores on a one-yard against North Carolina during an NCAA college football game, Friday, Nov. 27, 2020, at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, N.C. (Robert Willett/The News & Observer via AP)
No. 2 Notre Dame rolling behind talent and quality depth

By John Fineran Dec. 01, 2020 04:57 PM EST

Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book (12) passes against Pittsburgh during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
Big chance arrives for No. 4 Notre Dame with Clemson in town

By John Fineran Nov. 06, 2020 04:22 PM EST

Notre Dame wide receiver Ben Skowronek (11) celebrates as he goes in the end zone past Pittsburgh defensive back A.J. Woods (25) for a touchdown after making a catch during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)
No. 4 Notre Dame passing game picking up with Ga Tech next

By John Fineran Oct. 29, 2020 02:05 AM EDT

North Carolina defensive back Trey Morrison (4) celebrates after running the ball back on an interception of a two-point conversion attempt by Boston College during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
AP Top 25 Reality Check: ACC milestone with 4 top-10 teams

By Ralph D. Russo Oct. 05, 2020 02:39 AM EDT

File-Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly talks to players at the bench during the Camping World Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa State Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. The 58-year-old Kelly begins his 11th season at Notre Dame when the 10th-ranked Fighting Irish, taking a one-year sabbatical from football independence to join the Atlantic Coast Conference race, open against league rival Duke Sept. 12 at Notre Dame Stadium. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
No. 10 Notre Dame shooting for ACC, national titles in 2020

By John Fineran Sep. 01, 2020 04:10 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 28, 2019, file photo, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly watches warmups before the Camping World Bowl NCAA college football game against Iowa State in Orlando, Fla. Notre Dame heads to spring practice with question marks at various spots, but not at quarterback where Ian Book will be returning for the Fighting Irish. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
Kelly pleased as Irish begin journey toward 2020 CFP berth

By John Fineran Mar. 05, 2020 03:45 PM EST

Notre Dame quarterback Ian Book passes against Stanford in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Stanford, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Ian Book throws 4 TD passes, No. 15 Notre Dame tops Stanford

By Josh Dubow Nov. 30, 2019 07:36 PM EST

Auburn quarterback Bo Nix reacts after a penalty gave Auburn a first down and secured the win over Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, in Auburn, Ala. Auburn won 48-45. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Dobbins, Fields power No. 2 Ohio State past No. 10 Michigan

By The Associated Press Nov. 30, 2019 04:23 PM EST

Bowling Green quarterback Grant Loy (13) looks to throw during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Book throws 5 TDs as No. 9 Notre Dame routs Bowling Green

By John Fineran Oct. 05, 2019 06:52 PM EDT

Notre Dame running back Jahmir Smith (34) is brought down by Louisville defensive back P.J. Mbanasor (1) and defensive lineman Amonte Caban (53) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Louisville, Ky., Monday, Sept. 2, 2019. Notre Dame won 35-17. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
Silver lining: No. 8 Notre Dame youth got time vs Louisville

By John Fineran Sep. 03, 2019 06:26 PM EDT

Notre Dame cornerback Shaun Crawford (20) grabs the foot of Louisville quarterback Jawon Pass (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Louisville, Ky., Monday, Sept. 2, 2019. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
No. 9 Notre Dame pulls away from Louisville 35-17

By Gary B. Graves Sep. 02, 2019 11:43 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 29, 2018, file photo, Notre Dame wide receiver Jafar Armstrong (8) runs the ball against Clemson during the NCAA Cotton Bowl football game, in Arlington, Texas. Armstrong returns to the backfield for Notre Dame. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth, File)
Irish hope to ride Book's arm to second straight CFP berth

By John Fineran Aug. 15, 2019 01:52 PM EDT