Both ESPN's matchup analytics and the betting odds are favoring Notre Dame. The Notre Dame vs. Penn State football game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT start on ESPN on Thursday, Jan. 9. Sean McDonough is expected to do the play-by-play. Greg McElroy is expected to join him in the booth.

Notre Dame earned two College Football Playoff victories despite the offense not playing its best football. The unit did enough to win both games thanks to elite play from the defense and special teams. Against Penn State the Irish offense will need to play much better.

Notre Dame’s path to defeating Penn State in their CFP clash relies on 5 critical factors. Here’s what the Irish must do to win.