Notre Dame’s Playoff Blame Game Overlooks a Key Figure
Notre Dame’s exclusion from the College Football Playoff has sparked considerable debate. In recent days, the Fighting Irish have directed their dissatisfaction at various targets, including the playoff system and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Despite their 10-2 record, the team has not taken accountability for its early season failures.
Accountability Issues in Notre Dame’s Performance
Notre Dame’s struggle began with an 0-2 start to the season. The early losses to Miami and Texas A&M greatly hindered their playoff prospects. This performance issue is compounded by a pattern of early season struggles attributed to head coach Marcus Freeman’s tenure. Since he took charge, the team has faltered in three out of four seasons, including setbacks against Northern Illinois and Marshall.
Clark Lea, a former Notre Dame defensive coordinator and now head coach at Vanderbilt, pointedly addressed the need for accountability. Lea stated, “We had our opportunities and we didn’t do enough.” This perspective contrasts sharply with the outrage expressed by Notre Dame officials.
Inadequate Reflection and Blame Shifting
Notre Dame’s athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, has voiced concerns regarding the playoff selection process. He described feeling as though the rug was pulled out from under them following the selection show. Bevacqua lamented their missed opportunities against Miami and Texas A&M, both of which made the playoff field.
Frustration peaked when Bevacqua was questioned about what the school could change internally. His responses failed to indicate any desire for deeper introspection. Instead, he reiterated a focus on external factors, notably criticizing the playoff rankings’ inconsistency.
Selection Committee’s Role in the Outcry
The selection committee’s decisions have drawn scrutiny. In past years, teams have been subjected to unexpected ranking shifts, such as TCU dropping three spots after a significant victory in 2014. This history suggests that Notre Dame should have anticipated a similar situation during the current selection process.
Specifically, Alabama’s ranking strategy has raised eyebrows. Despite struggling to defeat a 5-7 Auburn team, Alabama gained a ranking improvement, while other teams were pushed out of the playoff. Notre Dame found itself in the precarious position of competing directly against Miami, which had defeated them earlier in the season.
Impact of the Atlantic Coast Conference
Complications with the ACC further exacerbated Notre Dame’s concerns. Bevacqua claimed the conference had “damaged” Notre Dame and argued that the way Miami was promoted at their expense was unfair. Despite this tension, Bevacqua acknowledged that the relationship could be repaired.
Historically, Notre Dame and the ACC have benefitted from a partnership. The ACC provided Notre Dame with a full schedule during the pandemic, allowing them to compete effectively. However, the recent fallout has strained this long-standing relationship.
Moving Forward: What’s Next for Notre Dame?
As the dust settles on this year’s playoff fiasco, Notre Dame faces a crucial need for internal reflection. The foundation for their success begins with improving early season performance. A better start could enhance their chances of making future playoffs.
- Accountability: Focus on self-assessment and learning from past mistakes.
- Scheduling: Consider balancing the schedule with fewer high-stakes early games.
- Strategic Development: Enhance game strategies to perform better in challenging matchups.
In the ever-competitive landscape of college football, understanding the game’s complexities and adapting strategically will be vital for Notre Dame’s path to playoff success in the future.
