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The golden dome works wonders on the College Football Playoff selection committee.
After Notre Dame lost on its home turf two months ago to an average MAC opponent, reasonable minds wondered whether that loss would eliminate the Fighting Irish from the playoff.
How would the committee assess a one-loss Notre Dame compared to a two-loss SEC team that played a more rugged schedule?
Well, we have our answer. The committee forgiveth the Irish. They’re ranked No. 6 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings, ahead of a glob of two-loss SEC teams that play tougher schedules. It’s almost as if that 16-13 home loss to Northern Illinois never happened.
How stupid we were, to think the committee would get heavy-handed on the South Bend glory boys. I mean, c’mon, a lot of these committee members probably watched “Rudy.”
Touchdown Jesus has board shoulders. He lifts a heavy load.
Beat a few meek opponents from the ACC, and presto! Not only are the 9-1 Irish positioned to the make the playoff, they’re being rewarded with in the enviable spot to host a first-round game.
Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price (24) runs the ball against Georgia Tech during their game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Based on what, exactly?
“The Irish have really, since that loss, performed very well,” said College Football Playoff selection committee chairman Warde Manuel, who is Michigan’s athletic director.
“Riley Leonard has come into his own. He’s really a dynamic runner. They had a great opening win against Texas A&M. … They had a dominant performance (against Navy), and so, we’ve been impressed at how Notre Dame has recovered since that loss to NIU at home.”
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Put Notre Dame…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/notre-dame-bamboozles-college-football-023707688.html
Author : USA TODAY Sports
Publish date : 2024-11-20 02:37:00
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