The question of Notre Dame's independence — meaning the Fighting Irish aren't attached to a conference — was brought into the foreground ahead of the Orange Bowl and College Football Playoff semifinal matchup between Marcus Freeman's team and James Franklin's Penn State Nittany Lions.

Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman has picked up his second award of the season ahead of the Irish's Orange Bowl game vs. Penn State.

Penn State coach James Franklin and Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman held their final media availability Wednesday before the Orange Bowl, where they discussed key injuries and preparing for their biggest game of the season so far. Here’s what the coaches had to say as the Orange Bowl approaches.