The point spread in Notre Dame vs. Ohio State is almost 10 points but the ESPN FPI model sees a more evenly matched game.

Notre Dame and Ohio State can no longer be underestimated as they prepare for the Jan. 20 national championship.

As Notre Dame and Penn State look to claim their first national championship since the Reagan administration—the Irish last won the title just 18 days before the Gipper left the White House in 1989, while the Nittany Lions claimed their second natty two years earlier—ESPN will be blessed with what amounts to an open field.