7. Notre Dame11-1What’s next: vs. No. 10 Indiana, Dec. 20, 8 p.m. ETHead coach: Marcus Freeman (third season, 30-9 overall)About Freeman: An All-Big Ten linebacker at Ohio State, Freeman was hired as defensive coordinator of the Fighting Irish in 2021 and elevated to the top spot 11 months later when LSU hired Brian Kelly as head coach.ResumeAny quibble with a one-loss team slotting at No. 7 in the playoff bracket comes down to three letters: N-I-U. The loss in South Bend to the middling MAC team spoiled a legitimate bid for an undefeated regular season that would’ve made it difficult to downplay Notre Dame in the big picture.The Fighting Irish did beat Texas A&M in College Station. As an independent Notre Dame plays traditional rivalries, went to USC and beat AAC champion Army. That’s not exactly comparable to Georgia’s list of 2024 accomplishments.Postseason historyNotre Dame is no stranger to the big stage, as it reached the College Football Playoff semifinal two times in the previous six seasons (2018, 2020). Notre Dame last reached the championship game in the 2012 season, when it lost to Nick Saban and Alabama.The road to AtlantaTo play for the national championship, the Fighting Irish have to beat Indiana in a home playoff game and turn around to take on No. 2 Georgia.Names to know