The No. 1-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-0) will go up against the No. 2 Alabama Crimson Tide (12-1) in what should be a spectacular BCS Championship matchup at Sun Live Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Fighting Irish have arguably had the most storybook NCAA football season in 2012-2013, as they've now officially resurfaced as one of the NCAA's premiere football programs. However, Notre Dame is certainly not alone at the top of the college football food chain with the Crimson Tide up there as well.

The matchup between the two teams will meet in Miami is widely considered to be a dream showdown for the national championship.

While the Fighting Irish are happily dominating the collegiate scene once again, they clearly won't be satisfied without overtaking Alabama and cementing themselves as the No. 1 team.

Notre Dame hasn't taken home the coveted national crown in 24 years. Its last championship came during the 1988 season when they beat West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.

In just his third year as the leader of Notre Dame, Brian Kelly will have the opportunity join Knute Rockne, Frank Leahy, Ara Parseghian and Lou Holtz as one of the coaches of a champion winning Fighting Irish squad.

"The tradition of Alabama and Notre Dame brings special attention to it, but we're just trying to be the best team on Monday, Jan. 7. All of that tradition, what's happened in the past, is not going to help us Jan. 7, but we do respect the traditions," Kelly told ESPN.

Nonetheless, Kelly, who was the AP coach of the year, feels as though most of his program's success is a testament to Notre Dame's solid defense.

"Well, that's who we are. It's been our defense all year. Our offense is able to manage enough points," he added.

For those of you who have access to ESPN, simply CLICK HERE to watch Notre Dame versus Alabama. The BCS National Championship game is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. CT on Jan. 7.