Notre Dame Playoff Chances: Can Marcus Freeman and Co. Make the CFP Despite Two Losses?

Despite starting the season 0-2 this year, Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish have managed to turn their campaign around. With two games left in their calendar, they’re now 8-2. It looks like they could even make the College Football Playoff for the second year in a row.

This comes as the most recent rankings from the CFP committee came out on Tuesday, and the Fighting Irish were given the No. 9 spot in the Top 25. Considering the CFP has a 12-team bracket, it would seem that the Irish only have to win their next two games to qualify.

Here are the latest CFP Top 25 rankings.

1. Ohio State: 10-0
2. Indiana: 11-0
3. Texas A&M: 10-0
4. Georgia: 9-1
5. Texas Tech: 10-1
6. Ole Miss: 10-1
7. Oregon: 9-1
8. Oklahoma: 8-2
9. Notre Dame: 8-2
10. Alabama: 8-2
11. BYU: 9-1 (first team out)
12. Utah: 8-2
13. Miami (Fla.): 8-2 (fourth-highest-ranked conference champion)
14. Vanderbilt: 8-2
15. USC: 8-2
16. Georgia Tech: 9-1
17. Texas: 7-3
18. Michigan: 8-2
19. Virginia: 9-2
20. Tennessee: 7-3
21. Illinois: 7-3
22. Missouri: 7-3
23. Houston: 8-2
24. Tulane: 8-2 (fifth-highest-ranked conference champion)
25. Arizona State: 7-3

However, the problem is that four of those 12 spots will automatically go to the top four-ranked teams in the nation, which will receive a bye week and qualify for the quarterfinals. In turn, the five best-ranked conference champions will also get automatic bids for the CFP. That could leave only three at large bids for the committee to select.

Notre Dame doesn’t have the chance to qualify through the conference champion route since it’s an independent school. If the committee only has a few teams to pick, will they select them over other schools? In all fairness, the committee will likely have more than three picks, as it’s highly likely that the winner of the SEC and the Big Ten will be in the top four at the end of the year.

The committee will likely have five teams to pick at large, considering that the ACC champion and the champion of a conference from the Group of Five will probably finish in the Top 25 but not in the Top 12. In that scenario, the Fighting Irish would barely make the cut. If the committee prioritizes the rankings of each school, as things stand, the at-large bids should go to Ole Miss, Oregon, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, and Alabama. That is, if Texas Tech wins the Big 12, and the champions of the SEC and the Big 10 come from the top four.

The Irish have the pedigree to be selected. Yes, they have lost two games, but against Texas A&M and Miami, two of the strongest teams in the nation.

If one of those five at-large teams we picked pulls off an upset and wins its conference, there could be even more room for them to select. Only if a team ranked below the No. 10 spot wins the SEC, Big Ten, or Big 12 will the pool of at-large teams likely be reduced. The only teams that seem to have a shot at this are BYU, USC, and Michigan.

If this happens, the committee would likely pick Texas Tech, Ole Miss, Oregon, and Oklahoma. However, that is if the committee were to pick today. A lot can change between now and selection day.

What Are Notre Dame’s Odds To Win The National Title?

Currently, the Fighting Irish have the fifth-best odds to win the national title. According to ESPN Bet, Notre Dame has odds of +1100 to win the national championship this season. Above them are Georgia, Texas A&M, Indiana, and Ohio State (respectively from fourth to first).

Read More:

Lane Kiffin Reveals Group Chat Messages With Kirby Smart, Steve Sarkisian Amid Head Coaching Rumors

“Absolutely Not True”: Lane Kiffin Dismisses Rumors Of Ole Miss Contract Extension Ultimatum Amid LSU Buzz

Tennessee Standout Boo Carter’s Mom Draws Fan Fury As Social Media Post ‘Burning Everything Orange’ Goes Viral

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!