With last week's dominance over Army, Notre Dame moves up to 5 in the rankings and almost assuredly a first round home game. Right now according to the committee's projections, the Irish hold the seven seed and play SMU before taking on Texas in the next round if they were to proceed. However, there was also chaos again this past week as some big names are effectively eliminated from playoff contention. Alabama, Ole Miss, BYU, Texas A&M, and Colorado all lost and their playoff hopes are effectively dead (BYU still can win the conference championship and Texas A&M and Alabama still need help to even just make the SEC championship). That makes things a lot easier for the Irish, but the job is still not done as this week is the last game of the regular season. While USC is not going to be easy, a win locks up a first round home game. That being said, Notre Dame will still need some help to lock it up as here are some of the games to watch this week.
Michigan-Ohio State
One of the biggest rivalries in college football, but this year it doesn't have the hype like it does normally. Ohio State is expected to win, but a Michigan upset can really cause some chaos. The question will be if it helps the Irish in any way possible as it's expected the four best conference winners get first round byes. That is something the committee has to decide on, but that was at least what was agreed to. Doubtful they would make an exception for Notre Dame, even if it's unfair to the Irish.
Tennessee-Vanderbilt
Tennessee is still vying for a spot in the SEC championship, but they are at least in line for a wild card spot. Vanderbilt has upset before this season and if they do it creates more chaos. A Tennessee loss should help Notre Dame with some breathing room as well as helping them lock up a higher seed.
South Carolina-Clemson
This might not affect the Irish too much, but there's no such thing as more breathing room in getting a higher seed. Notre Dame needs to hold on to that higher seed as much as possible and whoever loses here has zero chance at supplanting them. It's probably best to root for South Carolina here as they have less of a chance to make the playoffs than Clemson, but knocking them out would still be huge.
Auburn-Alabama
Same deal as the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, except this one is closer to a full blown war within the state of Alabama. The Crimson Tide will be fighting for their playoff hopes here in this game, but the Tigers will be looking to upset their arch rivals and dash their chances at the postseason. It definitely will give the Irish more breathing room regardless.
Miami-Syracuse
Want more chaos? Then watch this game as Miami will look to lock their chance at a spot in the ACC Championship. As of right now Miami only has a chance at a wild card spot, but them losing makes it hard to see them even getting that. Syracuse definitely has a team that can cause an upset and Miami seemingly has had an easy schedule. If the Orange can beat the Hurricanes, then Miami's chances at the playoffs are effectively dead.
Washington-Oregon
If Washington beats Oregon then this will cause so much chaos. While it won't eliminate the Ducks, it will kill their chances at the highest possible seed. Oregon has shown to be the best team in the nation all year long, now here's their chance to prove it. Notre Dame is not likely to face them in the next round, but depending on how things play out, it's a possibility and that's a scary thought.
Texas-Texas A&M
This is a huge SEC matchup. However, a victory here for the Aggies over the Longhorns would be chaotic. Texas A&M is still trying to fight for their playoff life, but they need a lot of help to get in so they are essentially eliminated. Texas can't afford a loss here or else it's a wild card spot and they likely wouldn't be hosting a first round game, but they are trying to earn that first round bye. Texas A&M would love to play spoiler here and a shot at a wild card spot or even possibly a conference championship thus leading to a first round bye and it would help the Irish's resume for the playoffs.
Comments