Kirk Herbstreit reveals what could force Notre Dame and Miami into the College Football Playoff originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Kirk Herbstreit laid out a surprising scenario Saturday that could crack open the College Football Playoff field for both Notre Dame and Miami. If Alabama gets blown out in spectacular fashion, expect them to be out the same way BYU will be.
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As No. 9 Alabama entered halftime struggling against No. 3 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, the ESPN analyst suggested the Crimson Tide’s CFP hopes were more fragile than many realized.
With Notre Dame and Miami sitting just outside the current Playoff picture, Herbstreit said both programs should be rooting for a Georgia rout.
“This is all about the SEC Championship, but if I’m a Notre Dame or Miami fan, I’m sitting here pulling for Georgia to just keep rolling along,” Herbstreit said during ABC’s broadcast. “Make this as big and as bad as you can for Alabama because that could potentially open the door for Miami and Notre Dame if Bama were to get blown out.”
Herbstreit acknowledged how influential a big loss could be to the Playoff committee. Even with Alabama’s regular-season victory at Georgia and a resume featuring four straight wins over ranked opponents, he noted the Tide might not survive a non-competitive showing in the championship game.
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Miami, Notre Dame and Alabama each entered Saturday at 10-2, with the Hurricanes owning a head-to-head win over the Irish. Yet, Notre Dame has consistently ranked higher, adding another wrinkle to the committee’s looming decision.
Alabama simply needs to show some heart to avoid opening the door for two hopeful challengers. One in Miami who needs a miracle to begin with.
