The 12-team College Football Playoff has been fun to watch. It was fun listening to people try to work themselves into a lather over the teams that finished 13th and 14th. There have been a few blowouts, but also a few classic games that have left an indelible impact on the first hours of 2025. 

Here’s what I’m happiest about: 

The return to prominence of Notre Dame. 

Now let me say: I am neither an actual graduate of Notre Dame nor have I ever been counted among the millions of adjacent “subway alumni.” A cousin of mine graduated from there and a few friends, but much as I enjoy their company they have never moved me to buy a Notre Dame windbreaker, jersey, hat or scarf.