Even with a 12-team College Football Playoff, who’s No. 3 at the end of the season still matters. So does No. 13. And No. 18. And No. 25.

The two teams who meet for the college football national championship Monday night in Atlanta would not be in the playoffs if not for the expansion to 12 teams. Notre Dame, the No. 7 seed, plays No. 8 seed Ohio State at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, culminating the first year in which the playoffs were expanded from just four teams.

The College Football Playoff is down to its final game, as Notre Dame and Ohio State meet in Atlanta, Ga. with the national championship on the line on Monday night. The Fighting Irish aim to end a long title drought by winning their first title since 1988.