Looking back at it now, Brian Kelly and LSU might have done Notre Dame a favor. It’s hard to argue with the results. Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish are one win away from the program’s first national championship game appearance in 12 years.

How has Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman fared vs. ranked opponents? Here's a look at his record vs. ranked teams ahead of Thursday's CFP semifinal game:

Four of the five Notre Dame coaches who have won national titles did so in their third seasons. Marcus Freeman, now in his third season, could join them this month.