That’s one advantage of the new 12-team playoff era. Teams can learn from their mistakes. But it takes a special coaching staff and special group of players to capitalize on lessons learned. They believe they can beat anyone, even if they appear outmatched.

Will Howard, Jim Knowles and Al Golden are just some of the ties the College Football Playoff National Championship has to Philadelphia.

Jesse Temple: Ohio State has been a juggernaut during a three-game winning streak in the Playoff, embarrassing Tennessee and Oregon. Notre Dame has won 13 straight games and put together a fantastic season. But Ohio State’s balance and overall talent should emerge. … Ohio State 24, Notre Dame 14.