It’s exciting to see Notre Dame receiving such strong projections for the College Football Playoff after their bye week, especially given the number of upsets in recent games. With both Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach including the Irish in their playoff brackets, it reflects a significant boost in confidence regarding Notre Dame’s chances, especially if they can finish the season at 11-1.
The matchups they’ve projected for Notre Dame are intriguing. Facing off against Penn State or Tennessee in the first round would certainly be challenging, but the Irish’s ability to win those games would solidify their standing. The potential rematch with No. 1 Oregon in the second round is particularly noteworthy, as it would be a tough test against a top-tier team. If they can navigate these matchups successfully, it could set up an exciting playoff run.
Bonagura’s point about the losses for Iowa State and Clemson is significant, as it opens the door for more teams from the Big Ten and SEC, but it also helps Notre Dame by potentially clearing a path for them to secure a playoff spot. The Irish’s current 7-1 record puts them in a strong position, and finishing the season strong would almost certainly cement their place in the postseason. With 11 other ESPN writers also projecting them for the playoff, it seems like there’s a growing consensus that Notre Dame is a team to watch as the season progresses.
It’s encouraging to see Notre Dame consistently projected in the College Football Playoff rankings, especially with various analysts highlighting their potential as the season progresses. Bill Bender’s projection of Notre Dame as a 10-seed facing Penn State aligns with the narrative of the Irish being a viable at-large team, particularly given their strong defensive performance, allowing just 12.2 points per game. If Penn State can bounce back from their recent loss to Ohio State, a home playoff game could definitely be in play, adding more intrigue to that matchup.
The diversity in projections from other analysts also underscores the uncertainty and competitiveness of the playoff race. Austin Mock’s higher projection as a 6-seed against Alabama indicates a level of confidence in Notre Dame’s capabilities, while Stewart Mandel’s 7-seed against Indiana suggests a more cautious optimism. Jerry Palm’s late inclusion of Notre Dame in his projections is a notable shift, especially since he hadn’t projected them in previous weeks.
Bud Elliott’s projection of Notre Dame hosting Penn State could create a thrilling atmosphere at home, which might work in the Irish’s favor. Andy Staples’ observation that the stretch run for Notre Dame looks manageable after the Florida State game is key, as a strong finish will be crucial for their playoff hopes.
With multiple analysts backing Notre Dame, it seems the Irish have captured the attention of the college football community as a serious contender. How they perform in their upcoming games will be critical to solidifying their position in the playoff race. The excitement surrounding these potential matchups, especially against teams like Georgia and Oregon, makes the next few weeks pivotal for Notre Dame’s season.
