By Jay Berry
Notre Dame is coming off a 51-14 win over previously unbeaten Navy.
Notre Dame’s path to the College Football Playoff is looking strong, thanks to their impressive win against Texas A&M in Week 1.
This victory has given them an inside track to host a playoff game in South Bend, which would be a massive advantage for the team. With a relatively manageable schedule ahead, the Irish are in a great position to make a deep run in the playoffs.
1️⃣3️⃣
Riley Leonard has been named to the @daveyobrien Great 8️⃣ for Week 9
This is Leonard’s third selection to the Davey O’Brien Great 8 List this season #GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/bIFmh4fop4
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 28, 2024
Why the Irish’s Strongest Win Overshadows Early Setbacks
Beating the team (Texas A&M) that is currently on top of the SEC standings — and the only unbeaten team left in the SEC right now — by double digits, on the road, in one of the most challenging home environments in all of college football, has to be the best win in college football so far.
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The committee gives teams credit for improving throughout the season. It’s always easier to discount a Week 2 loss than a Week 12 loss if the team shows growth afterward, as Notre Dame has. They’ve got better wins than the other one- and two-loss teams they’ll be compared to.
The committee has traditionally prioritized wins over losses, so the conversation about the loss to Northern Illinois is likely to be downplayed. Notably, Clemson once lost to a 4-8 Syracuse team and a 6-4 Pitt team, yet still managed to reach the four-team playoff. Considering the context of expansion, the Northern Illinois loss is ultimately a non-issue.
As the Irish head into November with four games left to play, they look more potent than ever, despite a roster plagued by injuries.
Notre Dame has one more ranked opponent on the schedule. If they defeat #21-ranked Army and win their remaining games, their résumé and 11-1 record would make a strong case for a playoff spot.
If Notre Dame can maintain their momentum and win out, they’ll be in a prime position to secure a playoff spot. ESPN FPI projects their chances of winning each of their remaining games as follows:
– Florida State: 95.9%
– Virginia: 95.8%
– Army: 86.8%
– USC: 61.0%
With their sights set on the College Football Playoff, the Irish are exactly where they want to be heading into November—right in the mix for a playoff run.
