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Will Ohio State, out of the playoff, be motivated against Notre Dame? Reasons yes and no

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- No one said, "Yeah, we're going to blow it off." They never do.

But through another college football bowl season, the common factor that matters most in each matchup isn't rushing offense or pass defense or tempo or turnovers.

It's motivation. Is there a team that doesn't want to be there? And is that team maybe playing another team with something to prove?

How's that shake out for the Fiesta Bowl matchup between No. 7 Ohio State and No. 8 Notre Dame? Here are three reasons the 11-1 Buckeyes should be up for their trip to Arizona, and three reasons they may not be.