The two will meet in the College Football Playoff semifinals with the winner becoming the first Black head coach to reach the college football title game.

Penn State football head coach James Franklin joked that he was ‘envious’ of Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman’s ‘hairline’ before their teams face off in the Orange Bowl

Penn State's James Franklin and Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman have broken ground as the first Black head coaches to lead teams to the CFP. Both understand the historic nature of their matchup.

Penn State coach James Franklin and Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman held their final media availability Wednesday before the Orange Bowl, where they discussed key injuries and preparing for their biggest game of the season so far. Here’s what the coaches had to say as the Orange Bowl approaches.

Either Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman or Penn State’s James Franklin will become the first Black coach to compete for a college football national championship.

Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman and Penn State's James Franklin are aware they are on the brink of making history in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl.

In line with the 12-team playoff's historic nature, the CFP semifinals feature a matchup that will guarantee more history in the national championship game.