The expansion of the College Football Playoff raises all kinds of questions, especially with multiple automatic bids being handed out to conferences. One of the questions surrounds Notre Dame and how the Fighting Irish fit into the playoff structure. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the answer is not a bad one.
The College Football Playoff expansion will help teams that are right on the cusp of making the Playoffs—not the worst teams, not the elite teams, but very middle-of-the-line teams. ESPN’s Thamel said that Notre Dame is set in all of this, and not much will change for them.
Notre Dame’s Path to the Playoff Remains Clear, Even as CFP Expansion Looms
ESPN college football analyst Pete Thamel says Notre Dame will still have a seat at the table in an expanded College Football Playoff, with at-large bids keeping their hopes alive year in and year out.
“Notre Dame is kind of set in all of this, the same way they are set now,” Thamel said. “They’re basically — if they’re ranked in the top 16, basically the same deal they have now is going to be carried over, is the way to think about it.”
“In any of the models, be it a 14 or 16, there is a slot for Notre Dame. Their seat at the table is not being messed with as they go forward. So, there will be an option for the Irish at one of those at-large bids, if, obviously, they perform on the field.”
This comes at a time when teams from the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC will have a certain number of automatic bids available to them annually.
A recent report from Yahoo’s Ross Dellenger indicated that the Big Ten and SEC would get four, while the ACC and Big 12 would receive two. Of course, the Group of Five is set to be represented with one guaranteed seed. Three at-large bids would be up for grabs.
RELATED: Analyst Joel Klatt Drops Bold Take on Clemson–Notre Dame 12-Year Deal
Broadcasters are certainly not going to be upset with Notre Dame being heavily in the mix. All while the Fighting Irish keep what is arguably more important to them than anything else — remaining independent.
“As you know, that’s good for college football,” Thamel said of Notre Dame playing well. “There are a lot of eyes on the Irish. The business overlords approve of the Irish’s involvement. And they still, in a quintessential college football way, have kept their seat at the table with their independence.”
Notre Dame got into the field last season in a 12-team field after finishing 5th in the final College Football Playoff rankings. Head coach Marcus Freeman took his team on a deep run, going to the national championship game.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
