SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Nine final thoughts on Notre Dame going out (almost) on top after its 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish finished the college football season as the national championship runner-up following a 34-23 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes on Monday.

The Ohio State Buckeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish square off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the College Football Playoff National Championship.

Navy was undefeated and ranked 24th when Notre Dame pasted the Midshipmen in East Rutherford. Ranked wins are always nice but when some of the national media loudly picks against you and you win by 37, things taste a little more sweet.

Who has the most college football national championships? Here's what to know leading into Monday's CFP title game between Ohio State and Notre Dame:

Between Touchdown Jesus, “Win One for the Gipper,” Rudy, and, yes, even the forward pass, there are those who believe football wouldn’t quite be football without Notre Dame

Since the Bulldogs will not be playing in the national championship contest, should they cheer the team that ended their season instead?

How to watch College Football Playoff national championship between Ohio State, Notre Dame Monday, with TV channel, time, announcers for game today.

Do you feel it in the air? It is truly a holiday as we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but it’s also an unofficial holiday with the College Football Playoff National Championship Game