James Franklin seemed destined to break the skid. His skid, to be more specific: 12 consecutive losses to top-five opponents, a miserable eight-year drought. But the 11th-year Penn State coach was on the way to snapping that streak.

The energy and attention to detail the 52-year-old coach has exhibited daily for the Nittany Lions have not wavered. Now, becoming the first Black coach in a national title game could be his reward.

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish will now look to secure the program's first national title since 1988. While Freeman prepares his team for one final game, Penn State head coach James Franklin is headed back to the drawing board. Penn State finished the season with a 13-3 record, including two playoff victories.