Notre Dame Football’s Path to the Playoffs: Challenges and Opportunities

Photo byMike Berardino

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The road to the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) seemed all but closed for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish after their shocking loss to Northern Illinois on September 7. As a four-touchdown favorite at home, the defeat prompted immediate concern among fans and analysts alike. Yet, as the season progresses, the Irish find themselves with a flicker of hope—an opportunity to navigate a challenging path back into playoff contention.

Current Landscape and Resilience

With the calendar flipping to October and Coach Marcus Freeman's team enjoying their first of two bye weeks, the Irish have rebounded impressively. After plummeting to No. 19 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, Notre Dame (4-1) has surged back to No. 13. Four other one-loss teams—Georgia, Michigan, Ole Miss, and LSU—currently rank above them, predominantly from the highly competitive SEC, which boasts heavyweights like Texas and Alabama at the top .

The CFP’s structure allows for the five highest-ranked conference champions to secure automatic bids, alongside the next seven highest-ranked teams regardless of conference affiliation. This means that as conference battles intensify, the potential for upsets could pave a clearer path for the Irish. Notably, Notre Dame has only one remaining opponent currently ranked in the polls: No. 15 USC, set for a Thanksgiving Weekend showdown at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum .

Challenges Ahead

Despite this resurgence, the road is fraught with challenges. The CFP Selection Committee prioritizes the “body of work” for playoff contenders, and even a potential 11-1 finish may leave Notre Dame wanting. Ranked victories over Texas A&M and Louisville, both sitting outside the top 20, might not be enough to sway committee members, especially under the scrutiny of new chair Warde Manuel, Michigan’s athletic director .

Moreover, injuries loom large over the Irish’s aspirations. Last season, Florida State was sidelined from contention after losing key players, a lesson not lost on this year's squad. Although Duke transfer quarterback Riley Leonard has shown resilience, his aggressive playing style has led to considerable punishment, contributing to a growing injury list that includes significant players on both offense and defense .

Strength in Depth and Defense

On a positive note, the depth of talent within the program cannot be overlooked. Freeman’s recruiting efforts have begun to bear fruit, allowing underclassmen to step up without compromising performance. Players like Anthonie Knapp and Sam Pendleton are emerging as key contributors on the offensive line, while defensive talents such as Xavier Watts emphasize a collective mentality that champions defensive prowess .

Indeed, Notre Dame ranks 11th nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 12.6 points per game, bolstered by a remarkable pass efficiency defense ranking of eighth . This defensive backbone could prove crucial as the team moves deeper into the season, aiming to stifle opposing offenses and minimize scoring opportunities.

Looking Ahead

As the Fighting Irish press forward, the focus will remain on maintaining their trajectory while addressing the challenges that lie ahead. With the right mix of determination, strategy, and a bit of luck, Notre Dame could very well find themselves in the playoff conversation as the season unfolds.

Conclusion

In a landscape where every game holds significant weight, the Irish will need to capitalize on their opportunities and ensure their journey is one marked by resilience and triumph. The spirit of Notre Dame football is alive and well, and as the season progresses, the hope for a playoff bid remains tangible.