BCS Championship Game 2013: Brian Kelly, Irish 'aware of the challenge'

Notre Dame is all set to play Alabama in the 2013 BCS National Championship, and on Sunday Irish head coach Brian Kelly spoke highly of his team's opponent.

#NotreDame HC Brian Kelly: "#Alabama has been the benchmark for college FB We're aware of the challenge in front of us. We welcome it."

— Brian Hamilton (@ChiTribHamilton) December 3, 2012

Kelly added that he enjoys teams that "want to beat you mentally as well as physically" like Alabama.

The title game will matchup two of the nation's top defensive units. Alabama ranks among the top 10 in the FBS in total defense, scoring defense, pass efficiency defense and rushing defense. Notre Dame ranks among the top 10 in three of those four categories.

The Irish built an undefeated regular season on the foundation laid by their defense, as there were times at which the offense struggled. Notre Dame limited every opponent but one to 17 points or fewer, and five were held to single digits.

The 2013 BCS National Championship is set for Jan. 7. Alabama opened as an 8.5-point favorite over Notre Dame.