Ohio State ’s Ryan Day, Texas’ Steve Sarkisian, Notre Dame ’s Marcus Freeman and Penn State ’s James Franklin are the final four. None has won a national championship as a head coach, making this season the third out of the last four in which the title will go to a head coach who has never won one.

Unlike last night’s College Football Playoff matchup, both programs participating in Friday's second semifinal can at least claim national championships in the 21st century. But they, too, have legions of devoted followers who are not exactly known for their patience when it comes to title aspirations.