NORMAN, Okla. — The words ‘‘Play Like a Champion Today’’ are plastered on the walls leading from the locker room to the field at both No. 5 Notre Dame and No. 8 Oklahoma, a rich piece of tradition the storied programs happen to share.

Come Saturday night, a rare meeting between the schools will test the championship mettle for both the Fighting Irish (7-0) and the Sooners (5-1).