The 12-team playoff system has faced criticism since its conception, but this year’s Notre Dame team serves as a strong argument in its favor. With the semifinals of the College Football playoffs to begin this week,

Following a 27-17 victory over the No. 9 Indiana Hoosiers in the first round of the College Football Playoff, Notre Dame will return to the field to face the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 8:45 EST in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.

By advancing this far, Notre Dame will bring home at least $14 million. It doesn't have to share its winnings with a conference.

Notre Dame brings a rich history to the College Football Playoff semifinals, but it's been quite a while since the Fighting Irish won it all.

The Fighting Irish closed the athletic gap that existed for a long time between them and college football’s heavyweights, now relying on outrunning the competition in all three phases.