Ohio State started the second half strong as well as they scored a touchdown on their first drive, and then they kicked a field goal after Notre Dame failed to convert a fake punt. It was 31-7, and the Fighting Irish were showing no signs of life. Then, everything changed.

Marcus Freeman and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish finished the college football season as the national championship runner-up following a 34-23 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes on Monday.

Why is Notre Dame not in a conference for college football? Here's what to know as the Irish are set to compete in the CFP championship game on Monday:

Notre Dame used a pair of late pick-sixes to finish the regular season 11-1 in a victory at rival USC. Christian Gray returned a would-be game-tying touchdown pass attempt 99-yards to cool the Trojans late threat and clinch a home College Football Playoff game.

In a college football season like no other, these Notre Dame fans couldn't help but commit to the full Playoff journey.

One Notre Dame football player that improved their draft stock during Monday's national championship game is quarterback Riley Leonard. Leonard didn't have a big season by any means, but he did play a good game against Ohio State as he was 22-31 for 255 yards and two touchdowns. Leonard was a big part of the comeback.

Grading Ryan Day and the rest of the Buckeyes after Ohio State football's College Football Playoff championship game vs. Notre Dame.

And of course, quarterback Riley Leonard is from Fairhope, Ala., southeast of Mobile. He came to Notre Dame via transfer from Duke, but he also grew up a Fighting Irish fan, his great grandfather having played for Notre Dame in the 1940s.