Notre Dame's dominance over Florida State, while expected, helped boost their playoff resume. Anytime you dominate your opponent like the way the Irish did, it proves how good of a side you are regardless of schedule and you're supposed to dominate them. Whether Notre Dame is a legit playoff side is for another article, the victory over Florida State is a statement that the Irish should be considered for a playoff spot. However, any of these other games and the results always helps the Irish even if they need to take care of their own business. So while you're watching Notre Dame this week, follow the results of these games as it could help even get them a home playoff game.
Oregon vs Wisconsin
Oregon is the number one ranked team in the nation, so all eyes will be on them trying to prove they are the best. However, Wisconsin has a chance to create further chaos thus making things easier for the Irish to get a home playoff game. It's hard to argue against Oregon this season as they are a really good side, but if Wisconsin can make some noise then it prove just how competitive this 2024 campaign has been.
Cincinnati vs Iowa State
This one is pretty simple, Notre Dame just needs the Bearcats to beat Iowa State to give the Irish more breathing room. Not necessarily the most important game for them, but it helps any way it can especially when things get towards the end of the season. Iowa State needs help to make the playoffs, but a loss will make it virtually impossible for them.
Arizona State vs Kansas State
This game is essentially a must win for Kansas State as they are in the same boat as Iowa State. Again, any breathing room makes things easier for Notre Dame to make the playoffs, but seeing teams who have a fighting chance and then get beaten helps. The Irish can always use all the help they can get regardless of how good they are.
Texas vs Arkansas
Upset alert! Arkansas has done it this year and they have the ability to do it again. Texas is a really good side so it will be hard to see the Razorbacks do it, but again, Arkansas is a good side who has done it before and can do it again. While a Texas loss doesn't necessarily mean they are eliminated, it gives Notre Dame an excellent chance at a higher seed. Don't sleep on this game, it could cause a lot of chaos.
Clemson vs Pittsburgh
This probably wont move the needle that much, but a win for either one of these sides helps them and gives them a chance to make the playoffs. Each team is a dangerous side if they make the playoffs especially Clemson who looked like the most underrated side in the entire nation while Pittsburgh has more losses and it's a higher climb. Both teams could make the ACC Championship and if they win that game and get in, look out! Whoever loses? They're done.
Missouri vs South Carolina
It's a shock to see both these sides still in the running for the SEC Championship, but here we are. Missouri needs this more than South Carolina as it's more of a climb for the Gamecocks than anything else as they have 3 losses. Pretty much the same scenario as Clemson-Pittsburgh, but both these sides need more help.
Tennessee vs Georgia
This is it for Georgia as they have to take advantage of this game or else they are eliminated for sure. Tennessee, while haven't looked like the absolute best SEC side yet they only have one loss. So if Georgia wins here, which there is a good chance at that happening, then it only causes more chaos as the possibility of a two or even a three loss side from the conference becomes only more realistic
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