The University of Notre Dame is now in a waiting game as it hopes to secure a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). The school”s athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, discussed this topic during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday, just before the conference championship weekend.
With the regular season concluded, Notre Dame”s fate rests in the hands of the selection committee. Bevacqua expressed confidence despite the Irish starting the season with two losses to Miami and Texas A&M. He asserted, “I think with the exception of Ohio State and Indiana, who are undefeated, we”re the hottest team in the country.” Bevacqua further elaborated on the impressive 10-game streak of dominance, stating, “It”s some of the best football I”ve ever seen here.”
The ongoing discussions surrounding CFP bids often pit Notre Dame against Miami, especially as both teams vie for a coveted spot. Bevacqua, however, believes the focus has shifted more toward the comparison with Alabama. “We”ve been clustered with Alabama. Who deserves to be higher, Notre Dame or Alabama? That”s really been what we”ve been focused on,” he noted.
He reflected on the earlier season matchup with Miami, emphasizing that it was just the first game. “Nobody wins the race at the starting line,” Bevacqua remarked, underlining that the Fighting Irish are currently playing at a high level. He remains hopeful that even if both Notre Dame and Miami find themselves close in rankings, the Irish will still come out on top.
While Notre Dame is currently ahead of Miami in the rankings, the potential for missing out on the CFP still looms. With BYU ranked just below Notre Dame, a victory for BYU against Texas Tech in the Big 12 championship could push the Cougars ahead of the Irish. Bevacqua stated, “I think everybody in Notre Dame nation is a Texas Tech fan this weekend,” expressing support for Texas Tech in that crucial matchup.
Bevacqua has also made it clear that he believes Notre Dame should remain ranked ninth. He pointed out, “I don”t see any way where we can drop two spots and Miami can go up two spots.” He emphasized that both teams have not played any games in the last two weeks, making it difficult for the committee to justify such shifts.
As debates about the CFP continue, Bevacqua shared insights on the future of the playoff format. He noted a strong consensus for expanding to 16 teams, which he believes would be an ideal solution. “If we were at 16 teams right now, I think it would be perfect,” he stated, advocating for this change in subsequent years.
Fans can catch the full interview with Bevacqua on The Pat McAfee Show, where he also covers topics including Notre Dame”s independence and the performance of head coach Marcus Freeman.
