Pittsburgh has spent the week preparing not just for another ranked opponent, but for the brightest lights the sport can offer. With ESPN’s “College GameDay” descending on the city and Acrisure Stadium set for a Saturday showcase, the No. 9 Notre Dame Fighting Irish arrive riding a seven-game winning streak and playing their most complete football of the Marcus Freeman era.

The Panthers have surged behind freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel and a defense that has reclaimed its identity, but Notre Dame presents the kind of multi-layered challenge that stresses every phase.

Here are three things to know about the Fighting Irish:

Run-heavy juggernaut

Among the many standouts stepping onto the field Saturday, no player shapes Notre Dame’s offense more than tailback Jeremiyah Love — and n

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