In a surprising move, the University of Notre Dame announced its withdrawal from postseason bowl consideration following its exclusion from the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP). The decision, made public by head coach Marcus Freeman, stems from the team’s disappointment at not being selected as an at-large candidate despite a strong season. This choice has significant implications for the program and its relationship with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
On Monday, Pete Bevacqua, Notre Dame’s athletic director, expressed the school’s discontent with the ACC, which has been strained due to perceived inequities in the selection process. “I wouldn’t be honest with you if I didn’t say that they have certainly done permanent damage to the relationship between the conference and Notre Dame,” Bevacqua stated. He emphasized that the Fighting Irish felt unfairly singled out during the selection discussions.
Impacts of the CFP Selection Process
Notre Dame’s decision to forgo bowl participation echoes frustrations shared by several teams that feel overlooked in the current selection model. Despite having a commendable season, the Fighting Irish, along with other ten-win teams such as BYU and Vanderbilt, argue that they deserve a chance to compete for the national title. The exclusion raises questions about the efficacy of the committee’s decision-making process, particularly when the ACC failed to secure its own conference champion in the 12-team format.
Critics assert that the current model is outdated and advocate for an expansion of the playoff system to include more teams. In August, discussions began among various conferences, including the Big Ten, regarding a potential 24 or 28-team playoff format. This expanded model is seen as a more inclusive approach that could provide opportunities for deserving teams.
Under the proposed 24-team format, which has garnered significant support, 18 teams would qualify automatically. This includes the top four teams from each of the Power 4 conferences and the two highest-ranked teams from the Group of 6, not necessarily conference champions. The remaining six spots would be at the committee’s discretion, allowing for a more varied selection process.
A Look at the Proposed 24-Team Playoff Bracket
If the 24-team playoff were to begin today, it would feature a diverse representation from across college football. The top eight teams would receive a first-round bye, while teams seeded ninth to sixteenth would host home games. Teams ranked seventeenth to twenty-fourth would need to win on the road in the first round to advance. This structure would result in 16 campuses hosting playoff games, adding to the excitement and engagement of the postseason.
As it stands, the selection committee’s current model has led to considerable debate among fans and analysts alike. Many view the lack of clarity in the selection process as detrimental to the sport. RJ Young, a college football writer and analyst for FOX Sports, emphasizes that an expanded playoff system would create a more equitable environment for all teams, reducing the controversy that often surrounds the selection process.
In the wake of Notre Dame’s decision, it is clear that every game in the postseason will carry heightened significance, especially for teams hoping to secure automatic qualification or a coveted at-large bid. As the conversation around playoff expansion continues, the future of college football’s postseason landscape remains uncertain but ripe with potential changes.
