Here's how Penn State coach James Franklin angered Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman before the Irish's College Football Playoff semifinal win vs. the Nittany Lions.

The University of Notre Dame football team is one win away from its first national championship since 1988. The Irish (14-1) beat Penn St. (13-3) in the Orange Bowl Thursday night by the final of 27-24,

Following the loss for the Nittany Lions, Franklin sent a message to Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman . Franklin shared high praise for Freeman and the Fighting Irish, mentioning that he's a "class act" and wishes Notre Dame success in their next matchup.

The spring and summer of 2020 was a fraught time for college football coaches. Their sport was shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic, cutting them off from recruiting future players and on-field interaction with their current players.

In line with the 12-team playoff's historic nature, the CFP semifinals feature a matchup that will guarantee more history in the national championship game.

Penn State coach James Franklin and Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman held their final media availability Wednesday before the Orange Bowl, where they discussed key injuries and preparing for their biggest game of the season so far. Here’s what the coaches had to say as the Orange Bowl approaches.

One head coach will make history by winning the Orange Bowl on Thursday. When Penn State-Notre Dame goes final in the College Football Playoff semifinal either James Franklin or Marcus Freeman will become the first Black head coach to lead a team into the FBS National Championship game.

College football will see its first Black head coach guide his team to the national championship game at the highest level of the game with either Penn State’s James Franklin or Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman.