Opinions of the new look College Football Playoff have run rampant over the past month. But through it all, just two teams remain from the 12-team field. Notre Dame and Ohio State are set to compete in the national championship on Monday. Both were at-large bids and, to this point, have won three postseason games.
Notre Dame’s Journey to the Championship
For many fans, Notre Dame’s journey to the national championship is a testament to the effectiveness of the expanded playoff system. Prior to this year, the Fighting Irish faced significant hurdles in securing a spot in the four-team playoff. They made only two appearances in a decade, raising questions about their independent status and whether they should join a conference.
But with the transition to a 12-team format, Notre Dame has shown what they are capable of. Head Coach Marcus Freeman has led his team to a remarkable postseason run, and now they stand just one game away from clinching their first national championship since the late 1980s.
A New Era for College Football
ESPN’s Reggie Bush believes that Notre Dame’s success is proof that the new playoff system is working. “When you look at Notre Dame and how far along they’ve come, I think it’s just proof that the College Football Playoff system works,” Bush shared in an exclusive interview. He pointed out that in previous years, the Irish struggled to find their place among the elite teams.
In fact, Notre Dame made the four-team College Football Playoff in 2018 and 2020, but they faced tough competition, losing to Clemson and Alabama, both of whom went on to win the national championship. If the 12-team format had been in place since its inception, Notre Dame could have doubled their playoff appearances. In 2015, they finished at No. 8 in the final rankings, and in 2021, they were the last team left out, with Cincinnati taking the four-seed instead.
Overcoming Adversity
While Notre Dame’s current success is impressive, it’s important to remember the challenges they faced. There’s still a lingering memory of a loss to Northern Illinois, a game that would have typically kept them out of playoff contention in previous years. In the old system, a one-loss team without a conference championship would have been left on the sidelines, but that’s not the case anymore.
This year, the Fighting Irish have demonstrated resilience and determination, proving that they can not only compete but thrive in the expanded playoff landscape. They’ve shown that even with a blemish on their record, they can still rise to the occasion and make a deep run in the postseason.
The Impact of the Expanded Playoff System
So, what does this mean for the future of college football? The expansion of the playoff system has opened doors for teams that previously struggled to gain entry. It allows for more opportunities, more excitement, and more drama. And for Notre Dame, it has validated their program in a way that the four-team format simply could not.
Bush emphasizes this point, noting that the Fighting Irish have found ways to win in the new format. “Just one year of expansion is already yielding positive results,” he said. The ability to compete for a national championship is no longer just a dream; it’s a reality for teams like Notre Dame.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the national championship game, the excitement is palpable. Fans are eager to see if Notre Dame can capture their first title in decades. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is electric. This matchup against Ohio State promises to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the best of what college football has to offer.
In the end, the expanded College Football Playoff has not only changed the landscape of the sport but has also provided a platform for teams like Notre Dame to shine. With more teams getting a shot at the title, the future looks bright for college football. The question now is, will Notre Dame seize this opportunity and etch their name into history once more?
The journey of the Fighting Irish serves as a reminder that in college football, anything is possible. The expanded playoff has breathed new life into the sport, and fans can’t wait to see what the future holds.
