But evolution is also a choice. The dinosaurs didn't have to walk into the tar pits. And college football programs -- even old-timers such as Ohio State and Notre Dame -- don't have to walk into the quicksand of mediocrity, led there by the blinders of obligation to keep on keeping on the same way that Knute Rockne and Woody Hayes did.

Notre Dame has had an array of injuries in 2024 but that hasn't stopped the Fighting Irish from plowing forward and advancing to Monday night's national championship game against Ohio State. The latest few injuries have involved the offensive line and caused a bit of a fire drill entering the championship round.

Ohio State and Notre Dame will square off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Monday night in the College Football Playoff championship game.