In boxing, there’s usually a brief delay before the fighters close in on one another and start exchanging punches. Steadily, they’ll close the distance from opposite ends of the ring, feeling each other out for a bit until that inevitable moment comes when it’s time to begin delivering blows.

The ESPN computer model has been high on Notre Dame all year and remains high on the Irish for the Orange Bowl.

The Athletic beat writers Pete Sampson (Notre Dame) and Audrey Snyder (Penn State) share their thoughts on the CFP semifinal.