FOX Sports' Michael Cohen explains how Marcus Freeman constructed Notre Dame's roster and how the Fighting Irish are winning at such an elite level without a handful of five-star prospects.

By now, we've all heard the story lines surrounding Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman competing against his alma mater, Ohio State, for the national title down in Atlanta. Obviously, his focus is geared towards the team and getting them mentally and physically prepared for a 60 minute battle inside of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

If Ohio State football plays on January 20 like it has since the College Football Playoff started, the Buckeyes will hoist their ninth national championship

Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman is trying to end a national championship drought for the Fighting Irish that dates back to when he was a toddler. Freeman, 39, was 2 years old when Lou Holtz led Notre Dame to its most recent title in the 1988 season.

Say Marcus Freeman does take an NFL job. Who are the first calls you make to find his replacement at Notre Dame?

Entering the season, Freeman was essentially nowhere to be found on national lists. What a change he has made for both the Irish and himself.

Before he arrived in South Bend, Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman was not himself part of the Catholic faith, even though Notre Dame is a private, Catholic university. But less than a year after becoming the head coach at Notre Dame,