ATLANTA -- "Think traditionally, but without traditional thinking." Those were the words of Ross Bjork, the still-new Ohio State athletic director during the Saturday morning media day ahead of Monday night's College Football Playoff National Championship game.

Most of them believe No. 7 Notre Dame has a path to victory in the national championship. That path involves dragging No. 8 Ohio State into a slugfest, the likes of which the Buckeyes haven’t seen since their stunning Week 14 loss to Michigan.

Valentina Martinez: The Buckeyes and Fighting Irish are set to face off in the College Football Playoff National Championship. This game is a tale of two defenses, but Ohio State will take home the glory. Ricardo Sandoval: The championship match is as highly profiled as one can be while also being one that no one expected.