It's been a long time since either Notre Dame or Penn State reached college football's mountaintop as national champions. It was 1988 for the Fighting Irish, 1986 for the Nittany Lions. There's been good seasons and bad seasons in the three-plus decades that have followed,

Notre Dame and Penn State have quite an extensive history together. Up until 1993, both teams were independents and their record against one another is deadlocked at 9-9-1. The upcoming battle in the CFP semifinals will give one of these proud brands the edge overall and earn the winning side a berth in the national title game.

Which team will earn the first spot into the College Football Playoff title game? Here's three things that could decide Notre Dame vs. Penn State.