Notre Dame's Playoff Fate Hinges on Miami Showdown

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Notre Dame’s Playoff Chances Spark Debate Ahead of Miami Matchup

The College Football Playoff committee’s ranking has raised questions about Notre Dame’s path. With Notre Dame ranked 11th and already carrying one loss, one view is that the team must beat Miami to remain in contention.

The opposing argument is that Notre Dame could lose to Miami, win every remaining game and still make the playoff with two losses. Supporters of that position believe the committee would find a way to include Notre Dame, barring two more defeats.

Others questioned how Notre Dame could fall from 11th after losing to Miami and then climb back into the field without facing another opponent capable of significantly improving its position. Potential upsets elsewhere could change the picture, including a Utah win over BYU that might push BYU out of the top 12 and weaken Notre Dame’s résumé.

Alabama’s position was also questioned. Alabama is fifth with two losses, while Tennessee, the team that beat Alabama, would currently be outside the playoff field.

Notre Dame does not have an automatic playoff bid, although it has a memorandum of understanding that requires the team to remain within a reasonable ranking range. The discussion concluded with the belief that Miami would still reach the College Football Playoff even with a loss.