Notre Dame Football’s CFP Snub: A Controversial Season and Strained ACC Relations

In a recent turn of events, Notre Dame’s exclusion from the College Football Playoff’s (CFP) 12-team field has left many, including the university’s athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, deeply frustrated. Appearing on “The Dan Patrick Show,” Bevacqua expressed his disappointment not just with the CFP ranking process but also aimed his criticism at the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), with whom Notre Dame has a long-standing relationship. Bevacqua’s sentiments underline the complexities and politics involved in college football, particularly for independent teams like Notre Dame.

The Background of Notre Dame’s Football Status

Historically, all sports teams from Notre Dame are affiliated with the ACC, except for football and men’s hockey. Since 2014, the Fighting Irish have committed to play at least five ACC opponents each season, allowing them to cultivate important alliances. This season, Notre Dame opened their campaign against Miami, suffering a 27-24 defeat. This was followed by another narrow loss to Texas A&M, casting doubt on their ability to compete at an elite level. However, Notre Dame rebounded impressively, winning ten consecutive games with a significant point margin, including a staggering 70-7 victory against Syracuse.

The Controversy Over Ranking

Despite finishing the regular season at 10-1, the intricacies of the CFP rankings became a point of contention. Miami, which also concluded their season at 10-2, was ranked below Notre Dame for weeks despite their early-season victory against the Irish. However, as the CFP rankings progressed, Miami eventually moved up to No. 10, pushing Notre Dame down to No. 11 and ultimately out of playoff contention. This abrupt shift brought about further confusion and frustration among Notre Dame’s administration and fans alike.

Clarity from the CFP Selection Committee

Hunter Yurachek, the CFP selection committee chairperson, clarified the committee’s rationale during the selection show. He stated that head-to-head results would ultimately influence the rankings, particularly when two teams were closely matched. This approach reinforced the idea that past performances—like Miami’s early victory over Notre Dame—could overshadow even recent strong performances, such as Notre Dame’s decisive victories throughout the latter half of their season. Yurachek’s admission that the significance of the Miami-Notre Dame game was reassessed as their rankings tightened perhaps indicates a deeper rivalry at play.

The Role of the ACC: Strained Relations

Bevacqua’s frustrations were compounded by the ACC’s actions, which he viewed as an attack on Notre Dame. He expressed confusion over the conference’s decision to repeatedly highlight Miami’s head-to-head victory against the Fighting Irish. This prompted concerns about the dynamics between Notre Dame and the ACC, especially given their business partnership in various sports. The interplay of criticism and rivalry hinted at a growing strain in their relationship, with Bevacqua acknowledging that “permanent damage” may have been inflicted.

Future Implications for Notre Dame

As the situation evolves, the question arises whether Notre Dame will reconsider its partnership with the ACC. While Bevacqua stated that it’s too early to determine irreparable damage, the incident certainly opened the eyes of Notre Dame’s administration. The implications of this frayed relationship could have long-term consequences for recruiting, scheduling, and competition. As college football continues to evolve, Notre Dame’s independence and their relationships with conferences will remain at the forefront of discussions surrounding the future landscape of the sport.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

The exclusion of Notre Dame from the CFP has not just highlighted flaws within the ranking process but also exposed vulnerabilities in the relationship with the ACC. Bevacqua’s strong statements emphasize a moment of reckoning for Notre Dame as they navigate their path forward. As the CFP continues to evolve along with the political landscape of college football, the implications are significant not just for Notre Dame, but for the entire college football community. The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Notre Dame is determined to reassess its position and collaborate with the ACC moving forward, ensuring they remain a competitive force in college football.