On Tuesday, the College Football Playoff selection committee made a decision that left many Notre Dame fans and supporters scratching their heads. The Irish, who have been having a successful season with a record of 9-1, were passed by Alabama in the latest rankings. This move came as a surprise to many as Notre Dame has consistently been ranked higher than the Crimson Tide throughout the season. So why did the selection committee make this decision? Let’s dive into the reasons behind it.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand the criteria that the selection committee uses to rank teams. Each week, members of the committee gather to evaluate teams based on their performance, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, and other factors such as injuries and game control. This process is not an easy one and requires a lot of deliberation and analysis before any decisions are made.
One of the key factors that may have contributed to Alabama jumping ahead of Notre Dame is strength of schedule. While the Irish have had a solid season so far, their strength of schedule is not as strong as Alabama’s. The Crimson Tide have played and defeated five ranked opponents, including Georgia who was previously ranked number one. In comparison, Notre Dame has only faced two ranked opponents, and one of those games resulted in a loss to number three ranked Georgia. This difference in strength of schedule might have given Alabama the edge in the eyes of the committee.
Another factor that could have played a role in Alabama’s jump is game control. The selection committee looks not only at wins and losses but also how dominant a team is in their victories. Alabama has been steamrolling through their opponents, with an average margin of victory of 30 points per game. On the other hand, Notre Dame has had closer games, with a margin of victory of only 16 points per game. While a win is a win, the committee takes into consideration the overall dominance of a team, and Alabama seems to have the upper hand in this aspect.
In addition to these factors, injuries may have also affected Notre Dame’s ranking. The Irish suffered a significant loss with the season-ending injury of starting quarterback, Ian Book. Book has been a crucial part of Notre Dame’s success this season, and his absence may have affected the committee’s perception of the team. On the other hand, Alabama has remained relatively healthy throughout the season, with no major injuries to key players.
It’s also worth noting that Alabama has a history of success in the College Football Playoff. The Crimson Tide have made it to the playoff every year since its inception in 2014, winning two national championships in the process. The committee may have taken this into consideration when making their decision, as Alabama has shown their ability to perform on the big stage.
Overall, it’s understandable that Notre Dame fans and supporters may feel disappointed or even frustrated by this decision. After all, the Irish have had a successful season and have proven themselves to be a top team in the country. However, it’s important to remember that the selection committee’s job is not an easy one, and their decisions are based on a comprehensive evaluation of multiple factors.
It’s also worth mentioning that this is only the second ranking released by the selection committee, with two more to come before the final playoff teams are chosen. There is still a chance for Notre Dame to climb back up in the rankings, especially if they continue to have a strong performance in their remaining games. The Irish will have a chance to prove themselves when they face number 12 ranked Syracuse this weekend.
In the end, the College Football Playoff selection committee’s decision to pass Notre Dame for Alabama in the rankings should serve as motivation for the Irish. They now have something to prove and can use this as fuel to push even harder for a spot in the playoffs. As for Alabama, they have shown that they are a dominant team and deserve their spot in the top four. But with three more weeks left in the regular season, anything can happen, and the rankings are bound to change once again. Let’s sit back and enjoy the rest of the season as it unfolds.
