The Notre Dame Fighting Irish finish September at 3-0 and are firmly in control of their own destiny in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Photo via Michael Caterina-Imagn Images This week, the Irish face in-state rival Purdue. Last season’s game was a turning point for Notre Dame. Starting 0-2 and with many questioning the new defense under then-new Defensive Coordinator Chris Ash, the Irish were in a shootout with Purdue 28-16 when a nearly two-hour weather delay came abou