I’m at the Phoenix airport on my way to South Florida to cover the Notre Dame-Alabama national championship college football game.

There is unprecedented interest in Hawaii in this game, especially for Notre Dame since the No. 1-ranked and undefeated Fighting Irish feature three local players: Heisman-Trophy-runner-up linebacker Manti Te’o, wide receiver Robby Toma and defensive lineman Kona Schwenke.

I’ll be writing daily, including coverage of Monday’s game. Later today I hope to be talking with Toma, who has been tabbed to represent the Fighting Irish players in addressing the media upon the team’s arrival in Ft. Lauderdale this afternoon.